Richard Carlson (author)

{{Short description|American author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker (1961–2006)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2026}} {{Other uses| Richard Carlson (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox writer  | name = Richard Carlson | image = Richard Carlson, (1961 – 2006).jpg | imagesize = | caption = | birth_date = {{birth date|1961|05|16|mf=y}} | birth_place = Piedmont, California, U.S. | death_date = {{death date and age|2006|12|13|1961|05|16|mf=y}} | death_place = San Francisco, California, U.S. | occupation = Author, psychotherapist and motivational speaker | genre = Self-help | movement = | influences = | influenced = | website = {{URL|http://dontsweat.com/}} }} '''Richard Carlson''' (May 16, 1961 – December 13, 2006) was an American author, psychotherapist, and motivational speaker. His book, ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all Small Stuff'' (1997), was ''USA Today''{{'}}s bestselling book for two consecutive years.<ref name=ind>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/richard-carlson-430230.html Richard Carlson: Bestselling self-help guru] ''The Independent'', December 30, 2006.</ref> and spent over 101 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. It was published in 135 countries and translated into thirty languages.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1538481/Richard-Carlson.html Obituary – Richard Carlson] ''The Telegraph'', Jan 4, 2007.</ref> Carlson went on to write 20 books.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/17/obituaries/17carlson.html?ex=1324011600&en=6e10e91aec8f5f2b&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Richard Carlson, 45, Self-Help Author, Dies] ''New York Times'', December 17, 2006</ref>

==Early life== Carlson was born and raised in Piedmont, California in East San Francisco Bay Area.<ref name=ind/> He played tennis and was the top-ranked junior in Northern California in 1979. He received his bachelor's degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he met and married Kristine Anderson (Kris Carlson) in 1981.

==Career== Carlson started his career as a psychotherapist and ran a stress management centre. He published his first book in 1985, but became famous with his 10th book, ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff…and it's all Small Stuff''. While Richard Carlson did not coin the term "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff," he was awarded a trademark for bringing it into American pop culture. The book was number one on the New York Times list for over 100 weeks. The Don't Sweat series is based on his earlier work presented in "You Can Be Happy, No Matter What: Five Principles to Keep Life in Perspective." ''People'' magazine named Richard Carlson as one of that publication's "Most Intriguing People in the World." He was popular on the talk-show circuit.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20061215/ai_n16903942 'Don't Sweat Small Stuff' author Carlson dies at 45] ''The Oakland Tribune'', Dec 15, 2006.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090416200914/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1998/02/17/DD88564.DTL&hw=Richard+Carlson&sn=003&sc=839 Carlson's advice in huge demand] ''San Francisco Chronicle'', Jerry Carroll, Chronicle Staff Writer, February 17, 1998.</ref> Meanwhile, he also appeared in a ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and It's All Small Stuff'' TV special,<ref>[http://tv.nytimes.com/show/46030/Don-t-Sweat-the-Small-Stuff-and-It-s-All-Small-Stuff/overview ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and It's All Small Stuff'' Overview] ''New York Times''</ref> and soon took up writing full-time.

His following books include ''Slowing Down to the Speed of Life'' (co-authored with Joe Bailey, 1997), one co-authored by his wife, ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love'' (2000), and ''What About the Big Stuff'' (2002). ''Don't Worry, Make Money'' (1997) received a starred review from ''Publishers Weekly''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Nonfiction Book Review: Don't Worry, Make Money: Spiritual and Practical Ways to Create Abundance and More Fun in Your Life by Richard Carlson|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7868-6321-1|access-date=2020-08-07|website=PublishersWeekly.com|language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life == Carlson was married to Kristine Carlson; they had two daughters, Jasmine and Kenna. His parents, Barbara and Don Carlson of Orinda, California, founded the ARK Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting world peace. He also had two sisters, Kathleen Carlson Mowris of Olympic Valley, California and Anna Carlson of La Selva Beach, California.

Carlson died on December 13, 2006, from a pulmonary embolism during a flight from San Francisco to New York City, while on a promotional tour for ''Don't Get Scrooged'' (2006). He was 45.<ref>{{Cite news|title='Don't Sweat Small Stuff' author dies at 45|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|date=December 16, 2006|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/16/BAGI9N0MOA1.DTL&hw=Richard+Carlson&sn=001&sc=1000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416202428/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/16/BAGI9N0MOA1.DTL&hw=Richard+Carlson&sn=001&sc=1000|archive-date=2009-04-16|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Works== * ''You Can Feel Good Again: Common-Sense Therapy for Releasing Depression and Changing Your Life''. Published by Penguin Group, 1994. {{ISBN|978-0-452-27242-2}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nonfiction Book Review: You Can Feel Good Again: Common-Sense Therapy for Releasing Depression and Changing Your Life|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-525-93705-0|website=Publishers Weekly}}</ref> * ''Handbook for the Soul'' (with Benjamin Shield). Published by Little, Brown, 1995.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Handbook for the Soul|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/richard-carlson/handbook-for-the-soul/|website=Kirkus Reviews}}</ref> * ''Shortcut Through Therapy: Ten Principles of Growth-Oriented, Contented Living''. Published by Plume, 1995. {{ISBN|978-0-452-27383-2}}. * ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff—and It's All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life''. Published by Hyperion, 1997. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8185-7}}. * ''You Can Be Happy No Matter What: Five Principles Your Therapist Never Told You'', contributor Dr. Wayne Dyer. Published by New World Library, 1997. {{ISBN|978-1-57731-064-8}}. * ''Don't Worry, Make Money''. Published by Hyperion, 1997. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-6321-1}}.<ref name=":0" /> * ''Slowing Down to the Speed of Life: How to Create a More Peaceful, Simpler Life from the Inside Out'' (with Joseph Bailey). Published by HarperCollins, 1998. {{ISBN|978-0-06-251454-7}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nonfiction Book Review: Slowing Down to the Speed of Life: How to Create a More Peaceful, Simpler Life from the Inside Out|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-251453-0|website=Publishers Weekly}}</ref> * ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family: Simple Ways to Keep Daily Responsibilities and Household Chaos from Taking Over Your Life''. Published by Hyperion, 1998. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8337-0}}. * ''A Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Treasury: A Special Selection for Teachers''. Published by Hyperion, 1999. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-6576-5}}. * ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff at Work: Simple Ways to Minimize Stress and Conflict While Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others''. Published by Hyperion, 1999. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8336-3}}. * ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times''. Published by Tandem Library, 2000. {{ISBN|978-0-613-31135-9}}. * ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff in Love: Simple Ways to Nurture and Strengthen Your Relationships While Avoiding the Habits That Break Down Your Loving Connection'' (with Kristine Carlson). Published by Hyperion, 2000. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8420-9}}. * ''The Don't Sweat Guide for Parents: Reduce Stress and Enjoy Your Kids More''. Published by Hyperion, 2001. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8718-7}}. * ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Men: Simple Ways to Minimize Stress in a Competitive World''. Published by Hyperion, 2001. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8636-4}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Men|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7868-8636-4|website=Publishers Weekly}}</ref> * ''Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Women: Simple and Practical Ways to Do What Matters Most and Find Time for You'' (with Kristine Carlson). Published by Hyperion, 2001. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8602-9}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Women|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7868-8602-9|website=Publishers Weekly}}</ref> * ''The Don't Sweat Guide for Moms: Being More Relaxed and Peaceful So Your Kids Are, Too'' (with Kristine Carlson). Published by Hyperion, 2002. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8727-9}}. * ''The Don't Sweat Guide for Graduates: Facing New Challenges with Confidence''. Published by Hyperion, 2002. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8725-5}}. * ''What About the Big Stuff?: Finding Strength and Moving Forward When the Stakes Are High''. Published by Hyperion, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8880-1}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nonfiction Book Review: What About the Big Stuff? Finding Strength and Moving Forward When the Stakes Are High|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7868-6884-1|website=Publishers Weekly}}</ref> * ''The Don't Sweat Guide for Teachers: Cutting Through the Clutter So That Every Day Counts''. Published by Hyperion, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-9053-8}}. * ''The Don't Sweat Guide for Dads: Stopping Stress from Getting in the Way of What Really Matters''. Published by Hyperion, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0-7868-8724-8}}. * ''Stop Thinking, Start Living''. Published by Harper Element, 2003. {{ISBN|978-0-7225-3547-9}}. * ''The Don't Sweat Guide to Your Job Search: Finding a Career You Really Love'' (with the editors of Don't Sweat Press). Published by Hyperion, 2004. {{ISBN|978-1-4013-0760-8}}. * ''Easier Than You Think: The Small Changes That Add Up to a World of Difference''. Published by Harper, 2005. {{ISBN|978-0-06-075888-2}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nonfiction Book Review: Easier Than You Think|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-075888-2|website=Publishers Weekly}}</ref> * ''Don't Get Scrooged: How to Thrive in a World Full of Obnoxious, Incompetent, Arrogant, and Downright Mean-Spirited People''. Published by HarperCollins, 2006. {{ISBN|978-0-06-075892-9}}. * ''You Can Be Happy No Matter What: Five Principles for Keeping Life in Perspective'', contributor Dr. Wayne Dyer. Published by New World Library, 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-57731-568-1}}. * ''An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love: The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given'' (with Kristine Carlson). Published by Hyperion, 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-4013-2257-1}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nonfiction Book Review: An Hour to Live, an Hour to Love|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4013-2257-1|website=Publishers Weekly}}</ref> * ''Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation'' (with Mike Robbins). Published by Wiley, 2007. {{ISBN|978-0-7879-8879-1}}.

=== Forewords === * {{cite book |last=Nerburn |first=Kent |title=Letters to My Son: A Father's Wisdom on Manhood, Women, Life and Love |publisher=New World Library |location=San Rafael, California |year=1994 |isbn=978-1-880032-49-7}} * {{cite book |last=Kundtz |first=David |author-link=David Kundtz |title=Stopping: How to Be Still When You Have to Keep Going |publisher=Conari Press |year=1998 |isbn=978-1-57324-109-0}} * {{cite book |last1=Breitman |first1=Patti |last2=Hatch |first2=Connie |title=How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty: And Say Yes to More Time, and What Matters Most to You |publisher=Broadway Books |location=New York |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-7679-0379-0}} * {{cite book |last=Fettke |first=Rich |title=Extreme Success: The 7-Part Program That Shows You How to Succeed Without Struggle |publisher=Simon & Schuster |location=New York |year=2002 |isbn=978-0-7432-2314-0}} * {{cite book |last=Bailey |first=Joseph V. |title=Slowing Down to the Speed of Love: How to Create a Deeper, More Fulfilling Relationship in a Hurried World |publisher=McGraw-Hill |location=New York |year=2003 |isbn=978-0-07-143873-5}} * {{cite book |last=Welshons |first=John E. |title=When Prayers Aren't Answered: Opening the Heart and Quieting the Mind in Challenging Times |publisher=New World Library |location=Novato, California |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-57731-587-2}} * {{cite book |last=Bailey |first=Joseph |title=Fearproof Your Life: How to Thrive in a World Addicted to Fear |publisher=Red Wheel/Weiser |location=San Francisco |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-57324-307-0}}

==References== <references/>

==External links== {{wikiquote|Richard Carlson}} * [http://dontsweat.com/ Don't Sweat.com official site] * [http://joebaileyandassociates.com/ Co-author Joe Bailey Site] * [http://www.carolhansengrey.com/portfolio/rc-portfolio.html Graphical compilation of Richard Carlson's Weekly Thoughts]

'''Obituaries''' * [http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/16/BAGI9N0MOA1.DTLin ''The San Francisco Chronicle (16 December 2006)''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209141128/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/16/BAGI9N0MOA1.DTLin |date=9 December 2007 }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Carlson, Richard}} Category:American motivational speakers Category:American motivational writers Category:American psychotherapists Category:American self-help writers Category:People from Piedmont, California Category:Pepperdine University alumni Category:Writers from Alameda County, California Category:1961 births Category:2006 deaths Category:Deaths from pulmonary embolism