Shift audiobook cover - Managing Your Emotions - So They Don't Manage You

Shift

Managing Your Emotions - So They Don't Manage You

Ethan Kross

★ 4.0 / 5(6 ratings)
Start ListeningDownloadQR code that opens AudiobookHub on the App StoreTry free on iPhoneScan to start in 5 seconds
Categories:
Management & LeadershipMindfulness & HappinessPersonal DevelopmentPsychology

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

Listen to Shift — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from Shift

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Shift

Mind Map

Shift
Core Nature of Emotions+
Internal Shifters+
External Shifters+
WOOP Framework+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
According to the text, what is a common misconception regarding the nature of emotions?
  • A. They are completely controlled by our external environment.
  • B. They operate independently of our physical sensations.
  • C. Emotional feelings are the exact opposite of rational thought.
  • D. They are a modern evolutionary trait rather than an ancient one.
Question 2 of 8
What is the primary goal of 'emotion regulation' as described in the book?
  • A. To banish all negative feelings and seek only positive experiences.
  • B. To suppress emotional responses so they do not interfere with daily productivity.
  • C. To rely entirely on external environments to dictate internal states.
  • D. To build the capacity to appreciate, adapt to, and shift from whatever emotions arise.
Question 3 of 8
Why does the author consider the senses to be a highly effective 'internal shifter' for emotions?
  • A. Because they require intense conscious effort to override negative thoughts.
  • B. Because they work largely on a subconscious level, requiring very little work for a meaningful reward.
  • C. Because they force the brain to rationally process the root cause of anxiety.
  • D. Because they completely prevent the body's natural 'fight or flight' response.
Question 4 of 8
How does the book view the temporary avoidance of an uncomfortable feeling by shifting your attention?
  • A. It is a harmful habit that always leads to emotional numbing.
  • B. It is a mental safeguard that acts like an internal immune system protecting you from acute distress.
  • C. It is a sign of emotional immaturity that should be corrected immediately.
  • D. It is only useful when dealing with positive emotions.
Question 5 of 8
According to the text, what are the two primary ways to harness physical spaces to alter your emotional landscape?
  • A. Completely isolating yourself or surrounding yourself with large crowds.
  • B. Eliminating all sensory inputs or maximizing sensory overload.
  • C. Switching to a different space or modifying your current space.
  • D. Moving to a new city or buying entirely new furniture.
Question 6 of 8
Which of the following statements best reflects the book's stance on social comparison?
  • A. It is inherently toxic and should be avoided at all costs to protect mental health.
  • B. It only causes anxiety and highlights personal shortcomings.
  • C. It is the most effective way to spread 'emotional contagion' in a workplace.
  • D. It is neither inherently bad nor good; its impact depends on the perspective you take.
Question 7 of 8
The book introduces the WOOP framework to help apply emotion regulation in real-time. What does WOOP stand for?
  • A. Willpower, Observation, Opportunity, Practice
  • B. Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan
  • C. Want, Organize, Overcome, Perform
  • D. Wellness, Optimism, Openness, Purpose
Question 8 of 8
In the WOOP framework, how is the 'Plan' stage typically structured?
  • A. As a daily journal entry detailing your feelings.
  • B. As a list of people who can solve your problems for you.
  • C. As an 'if-then' statement to navigate anticipated road bumps.
  • D. As a sensory bundling exercise to help you relax.

Shift — Full Chapter Overview

Shift Summary & Overview

Shift (2025) is a comprehensive science-based guide to managing – and maybe even mastering – your emotional life. It outlines what emotions are, why they matter, and how they can be tangibly harnessed to help, not hinder, you in pursuit of a life well lived. 

Who Should Listen to Shift?

  • Anyone wanting to better manage their emotions  
  • Parents and professionals navigating today’s complex stresses and stressors 
  • Leaders and educators committed to modelling best practice 

About the Author: Ethan Kross

Ethan Kross is a professor at the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychology and Ross School of Business. As director of the Emotion & Self-Control Laboratory, Kross’ research focuses on how people can learn to manage and master their internal lives. Kross has spoken at SXSW and TED and consulted for business organizations and government agencies. His first book, Chatter, was a national best-seller. 

🎧
Listen in the AppOffline playback & background play
Get App