Member Reviews

Kross, a leading expert on emotions, explores how we can regulate our feelings to enhance self-control. Backed by extensive research, his book presents practical tools for managing emotions effectively.

Key takeaways: We can’t control external triggers, but we can influence our response. Sensory tools like music and art impact emotions. Attention shapes emotional impact. The “ABC” model—Adverse Event, Belief, Consequence—shows how shifting beliefs alters outcomes. Even social media language can indicate mental health trends.

Kross emphasizes that while no single method works for everyone, understanding and applying these strategies can improve emotional well-being. A highly readable and insightful book, I’d recommend it to anyone interested in emotional resilience.

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What a book! SHIFT: MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS--SO THEY DON'T MANAGE YOU by Ethan Kross was that kind yet blunt friend telling you hard truths that make perfect sense even though you need an entirely new framework to put them to work--and that talk changes your life for the better. I didn't like everything Kross had to share, BUT his perspective empowered me to think differently about thinking and feeling as I do. I definitely struggle with certain situations and individuals, but at least now I can see them for what they are: old ways of living that do not serve my present nor my future. I especially liked his straightforward and clear way of writing, feeling like the words were meant just for me. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions. .

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I greatly enjoyed the author's first book, Chatter, and reference it often, so I was very excited to see another book! This book was just what I expected, explaining the science behind why our brains do what they do while also giving multiple strategies to, essentially, hack our emotions. Ethan Kross does a great job of putting the science lingo into laymen's terms that makes it more accessible for a wider variety of readers. Highly recommend!

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In "Shift: How to Manage Your Emotions so They Don't Manage You," Dr. Ethan Kross, a distinguished neuroscientist and acclaimed author, explores the complexities of emotions, elucidating their importance and strategies for effective management. Kross characterizes emotions as intricate responses that integrate our feelings, cognitive processes, and physiological sensations in reaction to significant occurrences. He challenges the prevalent notion that emotions are intrinsically detrimental, advocating for their constructive utilization. He identifies critical indicators that suggest when emotions may be counterproductive, such as persistent rumination, dependence on substances, and an incessant quest for validation. By acknowledging these behaviors, individuals can begin to harness their emotions for constructive purposes. Tools designed to facilitate emotional regulation are presented in this book. The personal narratives woven through the book kept me engaged in the reading experience. At times, the scholarly insights were a little challenging and made my attention wander.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

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If you are interested in learning how to better manage your emotional responses then I think this book will provide solid ideas in order to achieve some balance. It is well researched, well written and Kross gives good concepts and techniques to shift your mindset.

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This was an interesting book. It made me look at emotions in a new way. Recommended for readers who are interested in psychology.

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I absolutely loved and hated this book. It was the book I needed but didn't want to hear, and at too many points, it felt as if Kross was talking directly to me saying, "You there! Yes, you - you do this and it's not good. Here's what to do instead and why..."

Kross not only gives you explanations as to what emotions are (and how they differ from feelings), but how and why we should acknowledge them all - even the bad ones. Which, lets be honest, are the ones most of us struggle with.

This book is full of knowledge, facts, studies and tools for every single person on their self-growth journey.

**Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**

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The concepts and techniques described in this book about learning to recognize, use, and shift your emotional state when it is not serving you were interesting and may be very useful. The author has a quick, explanatory, almost breezy style of writing that makes for easy reading. But I didn't think the frequent illustrative anecdotes were all that helpful, or usually even all that apropos—they seemed to serve just to lengthen the book and seemed like filler that I wished I could skip.

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This book makes me think of the Inside Out movies (not to over-simplify it), in the context that all emotions, good and bad, are valid and that they are an internal guidance system.

Excellent, well-researched book by a university professor/psychologist and director of Emotion & Self Control Laboratory, illustrating that cognition is tied to emotion rather than the two working as opposites. Overall, the science of emotions has many, many varied opinions on how emotions work, and the book describes how emotions can work for you as well as the negative side of persisting emotional dysregulation.

Emotions are pieces of information, not something to be seen as good or bad, and even negative emotions can help you process your thoughts. Shift means being able to move from one emotional state to the other, and the book shows different techniques for doing so. It was also helpful to have many examples of how everyone has a different style of managing their emotions, including the difference in intensity of emotions, duration, and why some emotions are stickier than others.

I also appreciated the captivating storytelling bits - this read flew by, which isn’t always the case for more science-based books. I think everyone can benefit from this book, as it helps you become more conscious of your emotions and what they are trying to tell you.

Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are independently my own.

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I loved Kross's work in "Chatter" so I was excited to see this book come out! As always, he writes in a clear and concise fashion that is easy to digest no matter your level of science background. I appreciated his empirically based suggestions, and I would definitely recommend this book to others! He gives a number of easy to implement strategies we all could benefit from. Thank you NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for this review.

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An excellent book on how to harness your emotions to work for you, not get stuck in life and move forward! Highly recommend it to anyone who likes self-help books and anyone who needs a book on changing their perspective!

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This book is about the times in life where a certain emotion (i.e. sadness) becomes either too intense or too long in duration and thus becomes in some sense debilitating. Kross asserts that some emotions likely cannot be managed --as much as we may wish to turn them on and off, we cannot. Other emotions can be managed. This book lists a number of tools that can be test-driven in various contexts to help virtually anyone. Although there is interaction with dozens of studies, this is still an easy read with plenty of illustrations and practical advised. A solid introduction to the topic of emotional management.

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How can fear actually benefit you? How can anger be harnessed for personal growth? How can you “shift” your emotions to grow forward? This book helps you understand your emotions so that you can change them to improve your life!

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Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

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Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to view the ARC of Shift.

I loved Ethan Kross' first book Chatter and found Shift equally as interesting. The topic of Shift being continual emotional regulation in a world that seems to need more of that every day. The weaving of story with research and practical tips and advice keeps the reader engaged and thinking through not just Ethan's stories, but how to apply that in our daily lives. About half way through the book I had a daunting thought that this topic needed not just spot interventions to manage our emotions well. The reader needs some acceptance that if you want to make this change daily in your life it will require lots of work, but will be worth it to "shift" yourself many times in each day since emotions are happening to all of us all the time.

Shift is a great read for those looking for a new way to process their own emotions and respond to others in their business and personal relationships in more successful ways. I can't recommend Shift enough!

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Ethan Kross delivers a compelling exploration of the inner voice in Shift, a follow-up to his groundbreaking book, Chatter. Kross delves deeper into the mechanics of self-talk and how subtle shifts in our mental dialogue can profoundly impact our emotional resilience, decision-making, and overall well-being. With a balance of relatable anecdotes, cutting-edge research, and practical tools, Shift empowers readers to transform their inner critic into an ally.Kross’s conversational tone and actionable insights make this book a must-read for anyone looking to harness the power of their thoughts. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or striving for professional growth, Shift provides a blueprint for changing the narrative in your mind to live a more intentional and fulfilling life.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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