Don't Believe Everything You Think (Expanded Edition): Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering (Graduation Gift) (Books By Joseph Nguyen)

I picked this book up during a time where, on paper, everything in my life was going right—great momentum in my career, big opportunities ahead—but internally, I was feeling more anxious than I needed to be.I wasn’t looking for some “deep spiritual journey.” I was just hoping to find something that could help me quiet my mind and stay focused.What I got was something way more powerful than that.This book helped me see how much of my stress wasn’t from life itself—but from the way I was thinking about life. It’s not heavy or complicated. It’s super digestible, direct, and hits you with truths that feel obvious after you read them—but you never saw it that way before.Nguyen ties in simple stories, even old proverbs, to make his points land. One that stuck with me was about a young scholar who had to empty his cup before receiving the master’s teaching. And honestly? That’s exactly how some of these critics sound—like their cup is still full. They miss the point completely.This isn’t a book you “analyze.” It’s a book you feel. It’s not here to impress you with language—it’s here to help you experience peace. And it did that for me.I realized I’m not my thinking brain.And the moment I stopped thinking (negative thought patterns) —The anxiety fades. My clarity comes back. And I move better.If you’re someone chasing big goals but feel like your mind’s always racing, or you’re trying to be more present without forcing it, read this. Not to learn something new, but to unlearn the stuff that’s been getting in your way.

I bought this book almost a year ago while struggling and never read it. My mental health steadily declined into this year, so much that I checked myself into a 30 day rehabilitation program and- SURPRISE- I had plenty of time to read. This is a short but sweet book, especially eye opening, and empowering in my opinion. It definitely opened my mind to new ideas and how your thoughts can affect you so deeply and meaningly. Some phrases seemed a bit repetitive but overall I really enjoyed this and I’ll be leaving it at this residence for future patients to delve into.

I’m not good with reviews but in simple terms: reading this during a time I’m trying to change as a person and require my mind, this book is amazing. I’m putting everything into practice and I definitely will reread this book.

As someone who studies psychology, this book is psych 101 if you’ve studied it. Great for people looking for motivation and trying to reach a positive mindset. As a psychologist, I didn’t find it life-changing at all, but for a layperson I think it’s a great motivational and education book to inspire positivity and a change in perspective. If you’re struggling with these things I’d recommend. It’s a quick and easy read but has a lot of useful information if you don’t have a background in psychology.

This is THE most amazing book I have ever read! Joseph Nguyen’s succinct instructions on how to suspend the endless stream of thinking that leads to emotional suffering has made an enormous difference in my quality of life. This short read is the miracle I needed to finally attain inner peace. I will be clearing out my vast collection of self-help literature that hasn’t helped in all these years, to make room on my bookshelf and in my life for this simple, effective roadmap to joy.

This was exactly what my soul needed. I’ve been struggling with my inner critic for so long..I couldn’t remember the sound of my own voice. Or the power that it holds. I’ve gone through many ups and downs over the past few years. It made the sounds of self doubt so much louder, and so much harder to ignore. I needed to find my peace again. Our minds think so much to keep us safe. Thats the job of our conscious mind. This easy read reminded me that it’s okay to let go, trust the universe, my higher power, and remember what it feels like to love myself again.

This will be on my reread yearly for life list. As an obsessive overthinker it is easy to miss joy and substitute it with the suffering of always looking downstream. In fact, it is addictive. This book is actionable and transformational. It is clear that the author is both passionate about his work, and cares deeply about his message and readers.

Very practical book. Short but filled with many tips to help stop overthinking. It also reminds you of things you probably already know but forgot about. I can see myself reading this every few months for a gentle reminder.