Rewire: Summary Review

This is a summary review of Rewire containing key details about the book.

What is Rewire About?

“Rewire” by Richard O’Connor is a book about rewiring the brain and changing one’s thought patterns in order to lead a more fulfilling life.

Rewire shows that we actually have two brains—a conscious deliberate self and an automatic self that makes most of our decisions—and how we can train the latter to ignore distractions, withstand temptations, and interrupt reflexive, self-sabotaging responses. Rewire gives readers a road–map to overcoming the most common self-destructive habits, including procrastination, excessive worrying, internet addiction, overeating, risk-taking, and self-medication, among others. By learning valuable skills and habits—including mindfulness, self-control, confronting fear, and freeing yourself from mindless guilt—we can open ourselves to vastly more successful, productive, and happy lives.

Summary Points & Takeaways from Rewire

Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:

* The brain is malleable and can be rewired throughout our lives.

* Our thoughts and beliefs are shaped by our experiences and environment, but we can change them.

* Our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid pain, and this can lead to negative thought patterns and behaviors.

* Negative thought patterns can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

* We can retrain our brains through mindfulness, meditation, and other practices that promote self-reflection and positive thinking.

* It is important to understand and accept our emotions, rather than trying to suppress or ignore them.

* Practicing gratitude, compassion, and other positive emotions can have a transformative effect on our lives.

* The brain’s ability to change is greatest during periods of growth and transition, making these times ideal for making positive changes.

* Positive change requires effort, patience, and perseverance, but the rewards are well worth it.

Who is the author of Rewire?

Richard O’Connor, MSW, Ph.D. is the author of Undoing Depression and Undoing Perpetual Stress. For fourteen years he was executive director of the Northwest Center for Family Service and Mental Health.

Book details

• Print length: 304 pages
• Genre: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology

What are the chapters in Rewire?

Chapter 1 Two brains, not working together
Chapter 2 The autodestruct mechanism
Chapter 3 Fear incognito
Chapter 4 Rebels without causes
Chapter 5 Because you’re special
Chapter 6 Waving the red flag
Chapter 7 The enemy is us
Chapter 8 Trauma and self-destructive behavior
Chapter 9 Watching the parade go by
Chapter 10 Brainwashed and burnt out
Chapter 11 You’re hooked : addictions
Chapter 12 Gloom and dread
Chapter 13 Facing the undertow

What is a good quote from Rewire?

Top Quote: “Keep a journal of disappointments, failures, and self-destructive actions. It’s important to write this down because these are the kinds of things your self-serving bias will want to forget or minimize.” (Meaning) – Rewire Quotes, Richard O’Connor

What do critics say?

Here’s what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “Rewire gives readers the tools to understand their bad habits and change their lives for the better. This highly practical book offers compelling and measured advice on how to change behaviors and improve lives.” — Jeffrey M. Schwartz, MD, author of You Are Not Your Brain and Brain Lock

* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you’re interested in enhancing your personal growth, I suggest checking out my list of favorite self-development books. These books have been instrumental in my own personal development and I’m confident they can help you too.

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.