Think Like A Monk

Think Like a Monk is a practical and inspiring book that helps readers find peace, clarity, and purpose in their daily lives. Drawing from his experience as a monk, Jay Shetty shares lessons on how to let go of negativity, build positive habits, and live with intention.
The book is divided into three parts – Letting Go, Growing, and Giving. Each section takes you through a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
1. Letting Go: This part is all about removing negativity and unhelpful habits from your life. Shetty talks about breaking free from fear, ego, and the need for validation. One powerful takeaway is the importance of not letting others’ expectations define who you are.
2. Growing: Here, the focus is on building positive habits, staying disciplined, and aligning your actions with your values. Shetty’s stories and exercises—like journaling and mindfulness techniques-make these ideas easy to put into practice.
3. Giving: The final section explores how living a life of service and kindness can bring joy and meaning. Shetty emphasizes that happiness comes not from what we get but from what we give, and he provides practical ways to incorporate generosity into daily life.
Key Takeaways
• Letting Go of Negativity: Learn how to silence your inner critic, overcome fear, and let go of things that don’t serve you, like resentment or envy.
• Building Positive Habits: Discover practical ways to build discipline, create routines, and focus your energy on what truly matters.
• Finding Purpose: Understand how to align your life with your values and passions to create a deeper sense of fulfillment.
• Cultivating Gratitude and Mindfulness: Learn how gratitude and being present can reduce stress and increase happiness.
• Improving Relationships: Gain insights into how to build stronger, more meaningful connections by practicing empathy, communication, and kindness.
• Living with Intention: Explore how to make choices based on your true self, not societal pressures or expectations.

Think Like a Monk is a refreshing and practical guide to finding peace and purpose in a busy, chaotic world. Jay Shetty’s approachable style and actionable advice make it a great read for anyone looking to simplify their life, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters. The book feels like a warm, encouraging conversation with a wise friend, reminding you to slow down and realign with what’s important.
Whether you’re new to self-help or well-versed in personal growth, this book offers insights and tools that can make a real difference. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s a gentle reminder that clarity, happiness, and fulfillment are within reach. Think Like a Monk is not just a one-time read but a guide you’ll want to revisit whenever you need inspiration or a boost of motivation. It’s a thoughtful companion for anyone seeking to live a more intentional and meaningful life.

Think like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day is a motivational book authored by Jay Shetty, a former monk turned motivational speaker and influencer. It was published by Simon & Schuster in 2020; the book has 352 pages and it costs around ₹200. This book is a compelling guide to unlocking a life of peace, and purpose through the principles of ancient wisdom. Drawing upon his experiences as a former monk, Shetty combines spiritual insights with practical tools, offering readers a path to mental clarity, emotional balance, and deeper fulfilment. The book is divided into three parts i.e.: let go, grow and give. Each part has different sections that explore the different approach for self-development by Shetty received during his years in ashram in India. He also provided with the meditation technique after every part.
Part 1: “Let go” your negativity
In the first part Shetty emphasis mainly on how to remove negativity from your life. He told the importance of detachment, not in the sense of lack of enthusiasm and interest, but in freeing oneself from the attachment to outcomes, expectations, and material possessions. This section highlights the Buddhist notion of non-attachment, which allows for greater flexibility, resilience, and peace of mind. He said that the first step to
build monk mind is to filter out that noise and look within. By removing the unnecessary layers of ego, fear, and judgment, Shetty encourages readers to create space for what truly matters. The book encourages readers to recognize the negative thought patterns and attachments that hold them back from living authentically.
Part 2: Grow
In this section Shetty talks about how one goes through the process of personal growth and self-awareness. A central theme here is the importance of cultivating the right mind-set. He explains how the mind is often our greatest source of suffering and it requires consistent training to function optimally. The notion of growth that he explains is not only about building positive habits but also about developing the inner strength to overcome any challenges and negativity. He offers the concept of the “monk mind-set”- a perspective that prioritizes long-term peace and joy over short-term pleasures or distractions. He also talks about the “Ego” that isolates us and creates obstacles to growth.
Part 3: Give
In the Give section, Shetty focuses on the transformative power of selfless service and compassion. Drawing from the teachings of monks, who dedicate their lives to serving others, he argues that true fulfilment comes from giving rather than receiving. An important lesson here is the concept of finding your dharma, or your true purpose in life. He encourages readers to identify their unique gifts and talents and use them to contribute to the world around them. Whether it’s through volunteer work, mentoring, or
simply being a source of support to loved ones, He believes that living with a mind-set of service brings deeper meaning to one’s existence.
CONCLUSION:
Think like a Monk is a refreshing blend of spiritual wisdom and practical advice, making the ancient teachings of monastic life accessible to a modern audience. Shetty’s writing is clear, engaging, and grounded, making it easy for readers to absorb and apply the lessons he imparts.
Ultimately, the book offers a roadmap to living a life of greater meaning and inner peace. Whether you are seeking to reduce stress, improve relationships, or find your true calling, Think Like a Monk serves as a helpful guide to cultivating a more purposeful and mindful existence.