Think Like A Monk

This book combines personal anecdote, metaphor, scientific studies, and wisdom from various monastic texts.

Shetty’s aim is to help readers embody the monastic mindset. This includes learning to let go of negativity, ego, and fear; embarking on a journey of personal growth; and investing in acts of gratitude and service. Shetty himself spent three years as a practicing monk, living at an ashram in India, before using his skills in social media and business. He now hosts a popular podcast, On Purpose, and offers life coaching and courses on topics such as purpose and building successful habits. He channels this experience into advice and specific goals for modern millennials and others looking to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Published in 2020, this book guides readers on a journey away from the constant distractions and shallow gratifications of contemporary life to a lasting sense of peaceful intention and profound purpose.

In Part 1, Shetty advises his readers to “Let Go” of the expectations and opinions of others, including the clamor that is media, in order to understand and establish their own values: “The only way to build a meaningful life is to filter out the noise and look within. This is the first step to building your monk mind” (7). He also counsels his readers to cast off negativity, both in their thinking about others and in their assessment of themselves. When people are openly critical of others, that negative energy turns back on them; instead, bringing positive people and thoughts into one’s life creates the space for positive outcomes. Shetty uses a metaphor to illustrate this: “Petty, negative thoughts and words are like mosquitos: Even the smallest ones can rob of us of our peace” (32). Instead, he suggests implementing the “spot, stop, and swap” method (45). First, one becomes aware of the negativity (spots it), then pauses to contemplate the negative thought or behavior (stops it) before realigning it toward the positive (swaps it). Shetty also emphasizes that forgiveness—for self and for others—is key to establishing peace of mind.

In addition, one must let go of fear to fully engage with the world and to reap from its possibilities. Viewing fear not as an obstacle but as an opportunity for growth can be powerful: “We fear the stresses and challenges of change, but those stresses and challenges are the wind that makes us stronger” (50). He argues that the surest cure for fear is detachment, observing the fear from an emotional distance in order to act decisively rather than to react impulsively. Fear can be a motivating factor, creating urgency in the process of decision-making, but it is ultimately unsustainable. In order to establish clear and lasting intentions, Shetty encourages his reader to move beyond fear and material gratification toward the higher goals of duty and love: “Purpose and meaning, not success, lead to true contentment” (71). And, Shetty tells his readers, this purpose and meaning are ascertained through responsibility and care for others, not simply via personal achievement.