Insights from ‘Think Like a Monk’ by Jay Shetty

Question 1

How many major life changes does an average adult experience in a lifetime?

Answer 1

36 major changes, approximately one every 18 months.

Question 2

True or False: Resisting change can turn pain into prolonged suffering.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is the first essential step to take immediately after a significant life change?

Answer 3

Find an ‘inflatable life raft’ or a stable part of your identity to cling to.

Question 4

Explain the ‘life raft’ analogy in managing change.

Answer 4

The life raft represents a stable part of your identity you can rely on during turbulent times.

Question 5

Why is diversifying your identity important when facing change?

Answer 5

It prevents crises of confidence by ensuring you have multiple aspects of self-worth, even if one area is affected.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: Broadening your identity is like having an extra ______ in your house during a renovation.

Answer 6

bedroom

Question 7

What question does Brad Stulberg encourage readers to consider when investing in other areas of identity?

Answer 7

How can you invest in other areas of your identity to stay buoyant when change threatens one part of your identity?

Question 8

What is the second essential step after finding comfort in an unchanged identity aspect?

Answer 8

Focus on your core values as you establish a new normal.

Question 9

What are core values also referred to as by Brad Stulberg?

Answer 9

Guiding values

Question 10

How can core values help in dealing with job loss due to economic recession?

Answer 10

They allow you to understand what aspects of the job you valued most, like collaboration and teamwork, which can be rebuilt in new ways.

Question 11

True or False: Core values only apply to work-related changes.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

Describe ‘rugged flexibility’ in the context of navigating change.

Answer 12

Rugged flexibility is the practice of experimenting with new strategies while staying aligned with core values.

Question 13

Provide an example of ‘rugged flexibility’ as shown by Roger Federer.

Answer 13

Federer adapted his play style to manage back pain, using new techniques like a backhand spin and closer net play, allowing him to continue competing successfully.

Question 14

True or False: Change is inherently negative or positive.

Answer 14

False; change is neutral, and its impact depends on how we view and respond to it.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Practicing rugged flexibility means staying ______ in values but ______ in approach.

Answer 15

firm, flexible

Question 16

According to Brad Stulberg, what is the best way to handle setbacks while staying true to your core values?

Answer 16

Expect setbacks but keep experimenting to recapture what you valued most before the change.