Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Why your brain tricks you into being unhappy
- What "being present" really means and how to achieve it
- The truth about productivity and inner peace
- Ways to turn daily chaos into calm
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Mindlessness is a plague that has beset the modern population
Most of us live in a complete daze; we barely have time for ourselves and are constantly busy with something. We are either worrying about the past or trying to predict the future, leaving the present entirely unattended.Dan Harris realized that this lack of awareness was not only responsible for his panic attack on live television but also his drug addiction, overeating, and overreacting.Many people assume they must be paranoid and always on guard to stay at the top of their game. They have come to identify with the incessant nagging in their heads and attribute success to this “taskmaster” that is never satisfied. They aim to put out more work, getting hooked on the intensity and forgetting about wellbeing and sanity. When the satisfaction is no longer attainable through work or other activities, turning to drugs is one of the most common resorts.
Cocaine triggers the brain's reward center, similar to the feeling of achievement, posing a risk for thrill-seekers.
This lack of attention to oneself can lead to an unprecedented buildup of mental and emotional stress underneath a surface of activeness and an eventual collapse or breakdown.Dan Harris’ breakdown happened publicly — on national television. The cumulative stress of working in a competitive and demanding network company and a high level of mindlessness finally caused him to lose his composure while reading the news.He had been a reporter in Afghanistan, an assignment he agreed to because of career advancement prospects. Disregarding his wellbeing, he embarked on this project and ignored the psychological effect it had on him, even upon returning to the United States. His lifestyle did not help his situation either, as he indulged himself with partying and taking drugs, let alone not eating healthily or working out.All these factors, coupled with a sort of willful blindness to his condition, led to the on-air anxiety attack, which served as a wake-up call that he, fortunately, didn’t ignore.In this summary, you will learn all about Dan Harris’ journey, and his path to enlightenment and perhaps you can find your own route towards the same outcome.
second KEY POINT
Meditation can help to find your purpose and teach you the power of the present
Dan Harris’ search for understanding kicked off with early exposure to certain members of the meditation subculture, which included people like Eckhart Tolle, the author of A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose and The Power of Now, and Oprah Winfrey’s favorite writer.Tolle argued that our life was governed by a voice inside our heads that didn’t stop talking to us and making us feel down.
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first KEY POINT
There is no such thing as security, so don’t bother with the insecurity
second KEY POINT
Mindfulness creates space in your head so you can respond rather than react
third KEY POINT
Enlightenment: Rare, rewarding, and worth the pursuit
fourth KEY POINT
Unrealistic ideas stand in the way of true enlightenment
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works — A True Story about?
10% Happier is a book by Dan Harris that explores his journey to mindfulness and meditation after a panic attack on live television. Harris shares how he learned to control his inner critic and reduce stress while maintaining his edge in the competitive world of journalism.
What are the key takeaways from 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works — A True Story?
Key takeaways from 10% Happier include the importance of meditation in achieving mental clarity and emotional stability, and that self-help strategies can be practical and realistic. Harris emphasizes that mindfulness doesn’t mean losing ambition but rather helps to enhance personal and professional effectiveness.
Is 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works — A True Story worth reading?
Yes, 10% Happier is worth reading for anyone interested in personal development, stress reduction, or mindfulness. Dan Harris's relatable experiences and insights make the book engaging and practical for those looking to improve their mental health without compromising their work drive.
How many pages is 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works — A True Story and when was it published?
10% Happier spans about 256 pages and was published in March 2014. This engaging read combines personal anecdotes with actionable advice on mindfulness.
Who is the author of 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice In My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works — A True Story?
The author of 10% Happier is Dan Harris, a well-known ABC News anchor. His personal story of overcoming anxiety through meditation provides a compelling backdrop for the insights shared in the book.