The Practicing Mind: Summary Review
This is a summary review of The Practicing Mind containing key details about The Practicing Mind.
What is The Practicing Mind About?
“The Practicing Mind” is a book by Thomas M. Sterner, a former engineer and author. The book is about developing focus, discipline, and creativity through mindfulness and the practice of deliberate and intentional living.
In The Practicing Mind, the author demonstrates how to learn skills for any aspect of life, from golfing to business to parenting, by learning to love the process. Early life is all about trial-and-error practice. If we had given up in the face of failure, repetition, and difficulty, we would never have learned to walk or tie our shoes. So why, as adults, do we often give up on a goal when at first we don’t succeed? Modern life’s technological speed, habitual multitasking, and promises of instant gratification don’t help.
Summary Points & Takeaways from The Practicing Mind
Some key summary points and takeaways from the book include:
* The importance of practice: Sterner argues that practice is the key to achieving mastery in any area of life, and that consistent, deliberate, and intentional practice is essential for growth and improvement.
* The power of mindfulness: Sterner emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in practice, and argues that being fully present and aware in the moment can help to deepen your focus and discipline, and improve your performance.
* The role of persistence: Sterner argues that persistence is critical to success, and that sticking with your practice and staying focused on your goals is essential for growth and improvement.
* The benefits of simplicity: Sterner discusses the importance of simplifying your life, and argues that simplifying your environment and focusing on the essentials can help you to achieve greater clarity and focus.
* The power of patience: Sterner explains that patience is essential for growth, and that the ability to wait and trust the process is critical to achieving mastery.
* The book is a comprehensive guide to developing focus, discipline, and creativity through mindfulness and intentional practice, and it offers valuable insights into the importance of consistency, persistence, and patience in achieving success.
Who is the author of The Practicing Mind?
Thomas M. Sterner has studied Eastern and Western philosophy and modern sports psychology and trained as a concert pianist. For more than twenty-five years, he served as the chief concert piano technician for a major performing arts center.
Book details
- Print length: 170 pages
- Genre: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology
What are the chapters in The Practicing Mind?
Chapter 1. The Learning Begins
Chapter 2. Process, Not Product
Chapter 3. It’s How You Look at It
Chapter 4. Creating the Habits We Desire
Chapter 5. Perception Change Creates Patience!
Chapter 6. The Four “S” Words
Chapter 7. Equanimity and DOC
Chapter 8. Teach and Learn from Children
Chapter 9. Your Skills Are Growing
What is a good quote from The Practicing Mind?
Top Quote: “Progress is a natural result of staying focused on the process of doing anything.” (Meaning) – The Practicing Mind Quotes, Thomas M. Sterner
* 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 furthering your personal development, I invite you to check out my list of favorite personal development books page. On this page, you’ll find a curated list of books that have personally impacted my life, each with a summary and key lessons.
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.
