Life, without an operating manual, should be written by Ethan Kross.

Emotions, experienced daily yet rarely taught about—their nature and management—are the focus of this book. Using science, examples, and practical tools, Kross explains emotions without overwhelming jargon.

A particularly impactful example is his grandmother, who, according to Kross, often coped with emotions through avoidance. I’ve encountered such individuals, but Shift taught me that everyone manages emotions differently, and avoidance isn’t always detrimental.

The bottom line: highly recommended for self-discovery and improved relationships.

Thank you to Crown Publishing for providing a copy via NetGalley.

If you loved "Chatter" by this author, make sure to pick up this book as well. "Shift" is a groundbreaking and practical guide to understanding and harnessing the power of our inner voice to improve our lives. Authored by renowned neuroscientist and psychologist Ethan Kross, this book provides a scientific framework for exploring the ways in which our self-talk shapes our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Kross draws on cutting-edge research to reveal the science behind our internal monologue and offers readers practical strategies for transforming negative self-talk into a positive, empowering force in our lives. From recognizing the different types of self-talk to developing healthier thought patterns and practicing mindfulness, "Shift" equips readers with the tools they need to take control of their inner narrative and cultivate greater resilience, happiness, and success.

"Shift" IMO is a game-changing book that bridges the gap between science and self-help, offering a refreshing and evidence-based approach to personal growth. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley for a prerelease of Shift by Ethan Kross.

Kross, an expert on emotions weaves together engaging and memorable stories and scientific evidence about managing emotions. Despite the scientific topic, he’s effectively communicated the science so that any person can understand and action on it. I have already begun applying the techniques to my daily life!

Ethan Kross is back with his second book. This time, it's all about emotions and how to manage them.

I have to say that I enjoyed Ethan Kross's "Chatter" a few years ago. I was excited to read his follow up about emotions. I loved how this one also provided stories and examples from even the author's life when it came to emotions and how he navigates them.

This book is very much for the person who wants to improve their own emotional wellbeing as well as how to navigate these new territories of identifying emotions.

Highly recommended

A fascinating read about our emotions and trying to harness them in productive and manageable ways. The book is filled with compelling anecdotes that help illustrate the author’s points.

Divided into four parts, Shift begins with an overview of what are emotions before moving to shifting our emotions and the considerations and how tos. I especially loved the chapter on culture and the overview of WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) framework as a strategy to manage emotions (and successfully set and implement goals). I also appreciated the reminder that there is no one-size-fits all solution and the encouragement to try the tools provided and see what suits you best. I would have liked more callouts and takeaways/summaries at the end of each chapter to emphasize the tools/how to start using them.

Recommended to anyone interested in self-awareness/improvement and learning how to better manage your emotions.

Thank you very much to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Ethan Kross, the best-selling author of "Chatter", has now released another excellent book entitled, "Shift: How to Manage Your Emotions so They Don't Manage You." I was immediately interested in this book just based on the title. Kross begins his text with the following definition of what an emotion is: "emotion is an umbrella term that describes a loosely coordinated response that includes what we feel, think, and experience in our bodies to events we judge meaningful." We typically see our emotions as bad or unhelpful, but the author encourages his readers to harness them for helpful purposes. There are several warning signs to watch for that tells us when we're not using our emotions to our advantage: we can't stop thinking about our problems, we find ourselves chronically relying on substances, and we are constantly seeking reassurance.

Finally, Kross encourages his readers to change how we think about things, which will in turn change our emotions. This process is typically referred to as reframing. "Shift" had a lot of practical advice and useful information. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Ethan Kross, renowned for his insightful exploration of the human mind in “Chatter,” returns with another compelling work, “Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don’t Manage You.” This book is a myth-busting, science-based guide that delves into the intricacies of emotion regulation, offering readers practical tools to harness their emotional power.

Kross begins by challenging common misconceptions about emotions, such as the belief that avoidance is always harmful or that living in the moment is the ultimate goal. Instead, he presents a nuanced view, arguing that emotions are neither inherently good nor bad but are vital sources of information that can guide our decisions and actions when managed effectively.

The book is structured around a series of riveting stories and cutting-edge research. Kross introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, from a mother whose quick thinking during a flight saved her daughter’s life to a Navy SEAL who learned to embrace both joy and pain during grueling training. These narratives are not just engaging but serve to illustrate the practical applications of Kross’s theories.

Kross doesn’t just explain the science behind emotion regulation; he provides readers with concrete strategies to implement in their daily lives. Whether it’s techniques for reframing negative thoughts, leveraging social connections, or creating environments that foster emotional well-being, Kross equips readers with a toolkit for managing their emotions effectively.

Kross’s writing is accessible and authoritative. He has a knack for breaking down complex psychological concepts into digestible insights without oversimplifying. His background as a leading psychologist and director of the Emotion and Self-Control Laboratory at the University of Michigan lends credibility to his advice, making this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their emotional intelligence.

“Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don’t Manage You” is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and master their emotional life. Ethan Kross combines scientific rigor with compelling storytelling to create a guide that is both informative and inspiring. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stressors or navigating major life challenges, this book offers the tools you need to take control of your emotions and, ultimately, your life.