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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Your Brain Is Always Listening summary
Tame the Hidden Dragons That Control Your Happiness, Habits, and Hang-Ups
22 mins
Brief summary
"Your Brain Is Always Listening" by Daniel G. Amen explores how to tame the dragons in our minds that may be causing anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. The book provides practical tips to regain control of our thoughts, emotions and actions.
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Your Brain Is Always Listening
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Key idea 1 of 6
Subconscious dragons can control your brain – and your life.
Meet Jimmy, a wealthy 39-year-old business executive.
From the outside, he has it all: an enviable job title, a loving wife, and a full life ahead of him. But on the inside, Jimmy is plagued by Anxious Dragons that actively breathe fire on his brain.
You see, the past was not kind to Jimmy. Twenty-seven years ago, his father went to court on a double homicide charge. At age 12, Jimmy did something no child should have to do – he gave a speech in court explaining why his father shouldn’t get the death penalty.
As Jimmy stood before the judge, a series of negative thoughts ran through his brain. Will I say the wrong thing? What if I can’t convince the jury that my father should live? Will I be responsible for killing my own dad?
The key message in this blink is: Subconscious dragons can control your brain – and your life.
This traumatic event had a profound effect on Jimmy. From that day forward, he battled a severe fear of public speaking. Any time he pictured talking to a crowd, flashbacks flooded his mind, and he was transported back to that dreaded courtroom.
Naturally, Jimmy tries to avoid public speaking at all costs. But, one day, his boss asks him to speak at an upcoming company meeting – and Jimmy’s Anxious Dragons attack.
Suddenly, his thoughts start spiraling: I can’t deliver that speech! When I botch the presentation, my boss won’t respect me anymore. I’ll get fired. No matter how many new jobs I apply to, I’ll never land one – my fear of public speaking will strike during every interview. Without a steady income, I’ll have no way of paying bills. I’ll lose my house. My wife will leave me. I’ll be all alone, with nothing and no one.
Whoa. Wait a minute. How did we get here? A few minutes ago, Jimmy was a successful business executive. Now he’s on the brink of utter despair? All because of one small speech?
This scenario may sound overly dramatic, but it’s based on a true case study. Jimmy is real – and so are his dragons. Your dragons are real, too. You may not be plagued by Anxious Dragons – but your brain almost certainly contains some sort of dragon, whether it's an Inferior Dragon, a Grief Dragon, or a Procrastinating Dragon. Taming these beasts takes both time and effort. But, with a little knowledge about the brain, it can be done.
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What is Your Brain Is Always Listening about?
Your Brain Is Always Listening (2021) is a self-help guide for readers looking to lead happier, healthier lives. Drawing on Dr. Daniel Amen’s extensive experience as a psychiatrist, it shares science-backed tips for slaying the fire-breathing dragons that dwell inside your brain and spark destructive behaviors.
Your Brain Is Always Listening Review
Your Brain Is Always Listening (2021) by Daniel G. Amen is an illuminating book about understanding and controlling our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With innovative techniques and practical advice, it empowers readers to harness the power of their brains to improve their mental and emotional well-being.
- By combining cutting-edge neuroscience with real-life case studies, Amen provides a compelling and insightful exploration of the impact our brains have on our lives.
- It challenges conventional thinking and offers new strategies to overcome negative thought patterns, ultimately leading to personal growth and a renewed sense of agency.
Who should read Your Brain Is Always Listening?
- Anyone struggling with mental health – or supporting someone who is
- People who want to understand how their brain impacts behavior
- Those seeking new tools to add to their self-care routine
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Your Brain Is Always Listening FAQs
What is the main message of Your Brain Is Always Listening?
The main message of Your Brain Is Always Listening is to understand and heal the past traumas that influence our thoughts and behaviors.
How long does it take to read Your Brain Is Always Listening?
The reading time for Your Brain Is Always Listening varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Your Brain Is Always Listening a good book? Is it worth reading?
Your Brain Is Always Listening is worth reading because it provides valuable insights into understanding and improving our brain's response to the world.
Who is the author of Your Brain Is Always Listening?
The author of Your Brain Is Always Listening is Daniel G. Amen.
What to read after Your Brain Is Always Listening?
If you're wondering what to read next after Your Brain Is Always Listening, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life by Dr. Daniel G. Amen
- Brain Food by Lisa Mosconi
- The Science and Technology of Growing Young by Sergey Young
- Biohack Your Brain by Kristen Willeumier
- The Greatness Mindset by Lewis Howes
- Saving Time by Jenny Odell
- Brain Rules by John Medina
- Genius Foods by Max Lugavere
- Rewire by Nicole Vignola
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma