The Practicing Mind audiobook cover - Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life
Theme Song

The Practicing Mind

Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life

Thomas M. Sterner

★ 3.9 / 5(194 ratings)
Start ListeningDownloadQR code that opens AudiobookHub on the App StoreTry free on iPhoneScan to start in 5 seconds
Categories:
Mindfulness & Happiness

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

Listen to The Practicing Mind — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from The Practicing Mind

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from The Practicing Mind

Mind Map

The Practicing Mind
The Problem with Expectations+
Focusing on the Present+
Simplifying Tasks+
Do, Observe, Correct Technique+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 5
According to the text, why do we often fail to feel satisfied even after achieving our goals?
  • A. Because we immediately raise our expectations and set even higher goals.
  • B. Because the goals we set are usually dictated by other people's expectations.
  • C. Because we realize the achieved goal doesn't actually improve our daily life.
  • D. Because we tend to work too slowly and lose interest by the time we finish.
Question 2 of 5
How does the author suggest we should effectively utilize our long-term goals?
  • A. As a strict daily checklist to measure our overall productivity.
  • B. As a rudder to steer us in the right direction, rather than an indicator of our progress.
  • C. As a constant reminder of the future consequences of failing to complete our tasks.
  • D. As an emotional motivator to push us to work faster and harder.
Question 3 of 5
What is the author's advice regarding the pace at which we should tackle unpleasant tasks?
  • A. We should finish them as quickly as possible to minimize the time spent feeling stressed.
  • B. We should alternate between working rapidly for short bursts and taking long breaks.
  • C. We should delegate these tasks so we can maintain a fast pace on our preferred work.
  • D. We should work at a slower pace to stay in the present moment and avoid the stress of rushing.
Question 4 of 5
In the 'Do, Observe, Correct' technique, what is the key to effectively completing the 'Observe' step?
  • A. Asking a peer or mentor to watch your workflow and point out your mistakes.
  • B. Looking at your actions as an uninvolved spectator without emotional involvement or self-judgment.
  • C. Writing down every single distraction you encounter during a set period of time.
  • D. Comparing your current performance to your past successes to boost your confidence.
Question 5 of 5
How does the author recommend handling a large, overwhelming task like cleaning the garage?
  • A. Commit to finishing the entire project in a single weekend to get it out of the way.
  • B. Lower your expectations and only clean the parts of the garage that are most visible.
  • C. Break the task into smaller objectives, such as cleaning one shelf for 45 minutes a day.
  • D. Focus intensely on the final image of a clean garage whenever you feel like quitting.

The Practicing Mind — Full Chapter Overview

The Practicing Mind Summary & Overview

The Practicing Mind (2005) offers a smart and simple solution to handling anxiety when working toward our goals. These blinks show the impact our expectations have on our productivity, and reveals steps you can take to live in the present, enjoy your progress and really get things done.

Who Should Listen to The Practicing Mind?

  • Students struggling to overcome procrastination
  • Creatives beginning a new long-term project
  • Freelancers who feel like their work keeps piling up

About the Author: Thomas M. Sterner

Thomas M. Sterner studied Eastern and Western philosophy and modern sports psychology. Working as the chief concert technician for a major performing arts center, he prepared and maintained the venue’s concert grand piano for hundreds of world-renowned musicians. He also produced a radio show about the practicing mind and continues to teach his techniques to businesspeople and at sports clinics.

🎧
Listen in the AppOffline playback & background play
Get App
The Practicing MindTheme Song
NOW PLAYING
The Practicing Mind

The Practicing Mind

Theme Song
0:000:00