1003 Jay Shetty: Mindset Habits for Happiness, and Thinking Like a Monk

In episode #1003 of 'The School of Greatness' podcast, host Lewis Howes converses with Jay Shetty, a former monk turned motivational speaker and author. Jay brings forth insights from his life experiences and his book 'Think Like a Monk,' discussing the cultivation of happiness, success, and a mindset rooted in monk-like wisdom. The conversation begins with a reflection on mindfulness and its real meaning, which Jay interprets as living intentionally and crafting a life by design, rather than passively experiencing life. He introduces the concept of the 'Three S's'—Sights, Scents, and Sounds—as a framework for intentionally designing one's environment to foster a desired state of mind.

Jay and Lewis delve into the significance of starting the day with positive sights and sounds, and the impact of cognitive load from our surroundings on our mental well-being. They discuss the importance of silence and stillness, suggesting that these practices allow the mind and body to communicate their needs more effectively. Jay emphasizes the power of intentionality in our daily routines, advocating for a life lived by design, which includes designing the sensory experiences we encounter each day.

Throughout the episode, Jay shares personal anecdotes, including his transition from monkhood to corporate life and his journey into content creation, which has led to his current success. He speaks candidly about the challenges he faced, the rejection from companies after leaving the monk life, and how these experiences shaped his approach to both failure and success. The discussion also touches on the fear of criticism and the importance of learning from failures, with Jay providing practical advice on how to handle rejection and use it as a catalyst for growth.

The conversation shifts to the topic of success and the need for continuous personal growth and development. Jay stresses the importance of staying humble and grounded, sharing strategies for dealing with success, such as constantly challenging oneself and sharing success with others. He also discusses the power of gratitude and how it can transform one's mindset and relationships.