Interview with Phil Stutz and Brian Johnson on 'The Tools'

Introduction

• Interviewer: Brian Johnson
• Guest: Phil Stutz, co-author of 'The Tools'
• Book: 'The Tools: Transform Your Problems into Courage, Confidence, and Creativity'
• Context: Brian read the book in 2012, found it transformative, and created a book club around it
• Phil Stutz: NYC-trained psychiatrist, worked on Rikers Island, moved practice to LA in 1982

What is a Tool?

• Definition: A tool is a procedure, usually visual, that changes your inner state immediately
• Purpose: Helps people take action to solve problems in the moment rather than just understand them
• Example: A tool can help a depressed person to take action like exercising or stopping negative thoughts

Background on Tools

• Psychiatric Training: Initially focused on psychoanalysis and understanding past issues
• Frustration: Stutz was frustrated that understanding alone didn't help patients take action
• Solution: Developed tools to empower patients
• Core Idea: Tools put power into patients' hands—allow them to control symptoms and grow

Four Fundamental Problems and Tools

1. Reversal of Desire (Addressing Fear and Avoidance)​

• Core Human Tendency: Avoidance (e.g., avoiding phone calls, going to the gym)
• Story: Agents in LA avoided calling higher-ups out of fear
• Tool Purpose: Gets people to face and take action on their fears
• Process: Visualize the fear as a cloud, move through it with phrases like 'Bring it on,' 'I love pain,' and 'Pain sets me free'
• Psychological Effect: Moving towards pain diminishes it; avoiding pain amplifies it
• Behavioral Focus: Take immediate action fueled by facing pain

2. Active Love (Dealing with Negative Looping Thoughts)

• Action: Release mental loops and ruminations through love and positive energy

3. Inner Authority (Addressing Self-Doubt)

• Purpose: Empower clients to express themselves without doubt

4. Grateful Flow (Combating Depression and Overwhelm)

• Method: Focus on gratitude to connect to a positive source of energy

5. Jeopardy (Willpower Tool)

• Purpose: Maintain the energy to engage with all the tools consistently
• Importance: Recognizes the need for ongoing effort and resilience

Higher Forces

• Concept: Forces beyond individual control that can aid personal growth
• Example: Moving with the 'force of forward motion' can bring unexpected assistance
• Personal Anecdote: Stutz built his practice by calling intimidating individuals
• Implication: Connection to higher forces facilitates reaching infinite potential

Willpower and Commitment (Infinity Principle)

• Key Insight: Infinite potential is tapped by ongoing commitment
• Commitment: A lifelong state, not goal-dependent
• Idea of Exoneration: False belief that you can eventually stop working on yourself
• Truth of Ceaseless Immersion: Always engaged with life's challenges
• *Three Rules of the Universe:
  1. Pain will never go away
  2. Uncertainty will never go away
  3. Need for constant work will never go away
• Practical Advice: Live with urgency and intensity***

Final Insights

• Biggest Things Through Smallest Actions: Small, consistent efforts lead to major changes
• Personal Habits and Minor Decisions: Don't underestimate their impact

Closing Comments

• Future Work: Upcoming book focused on combating 'Part X'
• Appreciation: Stutz values the interviewer's empathy and preparation
• Resources: Check out thetoolsbook.com for more information