Option B: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Option B, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Grief struck suddenly
Sandberg describes the sudden death of her husband, Dave, during a holiday.
Overwhelmed by grief, she worked with psychologist Adam Grant to understand how people build resilience after loss. Sandberg presents this loss as the starting point for everything else in the book.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Option A is gone
Sandberg recalls a friend telling her that since Option A, life with Dave, was no longer available, she should make the most of Option B.
The idea gave her a way forward.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Three Ps slow recovery
Drawing on Martin Seligman's research, the authors describe three Ps: believing a tragedy is your fault, that it affects everything, and that it will last forever.
Recognising these helps recovery.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Talk about the elephant
Sandberg describes how friends and colleagues avoided mentioning her loss.
She learned that acknowledging grief openly helps. Sandberg suggests that naming the loss, instead of avoiding it, helps people feel less alone with their pain.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Growth can follow trauma
The authors describe post-traumatic growth, when people find new strength, relationships or meaning after hardship.
Resilience can be built. The authors suggest that hard times can also open the way to deeper bonds and a new sense of purpose.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Children can build resilience
The authors describe ways to help children cope with loss, such as giving them a voice and building family traditions.
Resilience can be taught. The authors suggest that caring adults can help children feel safe, heard and connected during hard times.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Joy can return
Sandberg describes learning to feel joy again without guilt.
Small moments of happiness help healing. Sandberg suggests that allowing oneself to enjoy good moments is not a betrayal of the people we have lost.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Communities build resilience
The authors argue that workplaces and communities can support people facing hardship.
Collective resilience matters. The authors argue that when people around us offer support, it becomes easier for each person to bounce back.
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