Summary

“The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life” by Thomas M. Sterner is a guide to mastering focus and building discipline. 

This book helped me realize one important fact: rushing doesn’t always make you faster. 

Quite the opposite is often true.

Sometimes (or often?) if you want to accomplish something faster, better and more efficiently, you need to relax and slow down.

Slowing down is also a good way to relax. 

Sterner shares insights on how to develop a mindful approach to life and work.

Key Insights

  1. Process Over Outcome: Focus on the process rather than the end result. This reduces stress and increases satisfaction.
  2. Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment. This enhances focus and reduces distractions.
  3. Patience: Cultivate patience. Progress takes time, and rushing can lead to mistakes.
  4. Discipline: Develop discipline through consistent practice. Small, daily efforts lead to long-term success.
  5. Self-Monitoring: Regularly check in with yourself. Adjust your actions and mindset as needed.
  6. Breaking Tasks Down: Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes them less overwhelming.
  7. Non-Judgmental Awareness: Observe your thoughts and actions without judgment. This helps in understanding and improving your habits.

My rating

  • Easy to understand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Practicality ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Convenience ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Educational Value ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Verdict 

To me, a former anxiety sufferer, “The Practicing Mind” was like a revelation. 

Trying to “relax” never worked. 

However, this book proposes a slightly different approach. 

Slow down. 

Slowing down, I found, automatically leads to relaxation. 

And often it doesn’t make you any slower!

Whenever I’m stressed, I apply Sterner’s practical advice and mindfulness techniques. The book is straightforward and effective, making it a must-read for personal development.


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