Don’t Believe Everything You Think Review
I picked up Don’t Believe Everything You Think after seeing its glowing five-star reviews, intrigued by the promise of improving mental wellness. As someone always looking for ways to fine-tune my mindset, I was eager to see if this book would live up to the hype. Here’s my honest take.
If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a good book and late-night Instagram scrolls. Put those two together, and I ended up purchasing Don’t Believe Everything You Think. With all the five-star reviews, I had high expectations. Though it’s a short read, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to improve my life, and I hoped this book would deliver.
Some of the information was a reminder of things I already knew, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t helpful. Here are a few quotes I highlighted:
- "Although we experience a lot of pain in our lives, suffering is optional."
- "We live in a world of thought, not reality."
- "We can only ever feel what we are thinking."
- "The root cause of our own suffering is our own thinking."
In my previous job, I attended many webinars on the mind and mental health. The mind is designed to keep us alive (scientifically true), not to make us feel joy or happiness. Those positive emotions require effort, and our brains are primarily wired for survival—hence the “fight or flight” response. The book agrees with this theory.
But about halfway through, I started feeling differently about the book's approach.
As an author myself, I don’t judge other writers, but I did find a few aspects of this book a bit concerning. The first was that the book didn’t seem to go through an editor. It reads more like an opinion piece, and I found myself wishing for more structure and depth.
I’m an author myself so I don’t judge other writers, but there were a few things that bothered me. The first was that the book didn’t seem to go through an editor. It reads more like an opinion piece, and I found myself wishing for more structure and depth.
Overview of the Book
The author's main message is simple: don’t believe everything you think. He argues that thoughts don't inherently cause negative emotions like sadness or frustration—it's only when we overthink and dwell on them that they lead to suffering. While the message holds value, I found the book to be more of a personal opinion piece than a researched one.
I found myself wishing for more scientific evidence or practical examples to back up the author's ideas. While the idea that thoughts create suffering is valid, the suggestion to stop thinking altogether seems unrealistic and oversimplifies human emotions.
Key Takeaways
If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book as a solution. There are some basic action items at the end, but most of the book just focuses on not thinking and how thoughts cause problems. The action items are simple, like identifying triggers and engaging in tasks that require minimal thinking. I was hoping for more practical advice, but the takeaways felt too basic for my personal journey.
While I agree that our thoughts can be harmful, I don’t think all thoughts are inherently negative. Thoughts can destroy self-image or confidence, but they can also help us accept reality and grow. The author suggests we can’t stop thinking, but we can become more aware of our thoughts as they arise.
What I Liked
I appreciated the book’s simplicity, which makes it approachable for readers who are new to mindfulness. It provides a solid starting point for anyone interested in exploring how their thoughts impact their emotions and overall mental wellness.
Final Thoughts
I’d rate this book 3/5. While its ideas are interesting, the lack of structure and depth might leave some readers wanting more. Thoughts are inevitable, and while they can lead to suffering, we can control them. Don’t stop thinking—use your thoughts to learn, grow, and take control of your life.
Pros:
• Simple, approachable writing style
• Fresh approach on thought awareness
Cons:
• Lacks depth and structure
• Could benefit from more actionable advice
• May not address deeper mental health issues
In conclusion, Don’t Believe Everything You Think offers a fresh perspective on mental wellness, but it may not be enough for readers seeking more structured guidance or actionable steps—especially for those dealing with deeper mental health issues.
If you're new to mindfulness, it's a great introduction, but you may need something more detailed if you're looking for a comprehensive approach.
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If you’ve read Don’t Believe Everything You Think, let me know your thoughts! Have you found any mindfulness techniques that helped you manage your thoughts and emotions? What do you think about the idea of not believing everything we think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this perspective. Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it!
Like this book review? You may also want to ready my book review on The Shining by Stephen King.
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