A Quiet Life in 7 Steps

by Susan Cain (Author, Narrator)

In a world of distraction, overcommitment, and often overwhelming social expectations, are you craving depth, meaning, and true connection?

Join Susan Cain, an international best-selling author on the power of introverts who will help you tune out all of your everyday stresses and conflicts and tune into living a Quiet Life.

In seven steps, Susan will show you exactly how to lead your own Quiet Life. She’ll help you connect with the part of yourself that’s drawn to the quiet, the deep, the beautiful, and the kind. With the help of carefully selected experts—including poets and sages from across the centuries—she’ll share her very best advice, and give you practical takeaways, exercises, and meditations, all in service of helping you live your truly Quiet Life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Personal Development, Psychology, Mental Health, Health

5 pages, Audible Audio

Published January 5, 2024

About the author

“QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking,” was released in January, 2012, from Crown Publishers in the U.S., and from Viking/Penguin in the U.K. Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts was released in May, 2016 from Dial Books in the U.S., and from Penguin Life in the U.K. "BITTERSWEET: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole" has been released in the U.S. and U.K.

Please visit - SusanCain.net
- Facebook.com/AuthorSusanCain
- Twitter.com/SusanCain
- Linkedin.com/in/susancain/
- Instagram.com/susancainauthor/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
SUSAN CAIN is the author of the bestsellers Quiet Journal, Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts, and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking, which has been translated into 40 languages, is in its seventh year on the New York Times best seller list, and was named the #1 best book of the year by Fast Company magazine, which also named Cain one of its Most Creative People in Business. Her latest masterpiece, BITTERSWEET: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, was released in the US on April 5, 2022 (international editions are forthcoming).

LinkedIn named her the 6th Top Influencer in the world. Susan has partnered with Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant and Dan Pink to launch the Next Big Idea Book Club and they donate all their proceeds to children’s literacy programs.

Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. Her record-smashing TED talk has been viewed over 40 million times on TED.com and YouTube combined, and was named by Bill Gates one of his all-time favorite talks.

Cain has also spoken at Microsoft, Google, the U.S. Treasury, the S.E.C., Harvard, Yale, West Point and the US Naval Academy. She received Harvard Law School’s Celebration Award for Thought Leadership, the Toastmasters International Golden Gavel Award for Communication and Leadership, and was named one of the world’s top 50 Leadership and Management Experts by Inc. Magazine. She is an honors graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School. She lives in the Hudson River Valley with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Wiebke (1book1review) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy listen and had some interesting things to say, but then turned way too woo-woo for me.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

A podcast rather than a book, I listened because I really enjoyed her book Quiet, but I guess the message in this is lost on me because I’ve never gone in for ambition and materialism so never felt the need to BE over stimulated by being too busy or having too many commitments. I was a stay at home mom and after my divorce only got an education to pay for my wanderlust. Sure I need the self care stuff because I am rather an asshole to myself, but I’m getting better. I guess I expected more a message of simplicity, but kind of got the message that I’m just supposed to still BE something or someone but more along the lines of what? I don’t know. My idea right now is to quit my job, live on one income, and turn our Florida property into an urban garden and career be damned! I want QUIET like I experienced during the power outage of 2021 or 2022 when phones and television became useless. That simple, truly quiet, gentle existence reminded me of my country upbringing and felt so damn good I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. So this gets two stars. But if you’re on the career ladder and unhappy but not ready to lower your living standard, this might be for you. Me? I’m quitting. Quiet quitting. lol

[Shai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short self-help audiobook that I downloaded from Audible with good, practical advice about how to live in the moment and find joy in the everyday things. Susan Cain addresses living in a state of gratitude, dealing with loss, and harnessing your creativity through 7 principles.
Since it was an audiobook I have to comment on the narrator - the author. She spoke quietly, calmly yet at a good pace and interspersed a few people speaking about their experiences which added to the book and kept the text fresh and engaging.

I would recommend this book to people who would like something positive to listen to during their commute or quiet time.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of really good information, presented well, with truly helpful exercises here. I just want to say that off the bat, since I'm afraid that might not be clear with the rest of this. I don't regret consuming this, to the point where I listened to it twice -- once to get familiar with the info and once to do the exercises. Just so that's clear.

And that said:

Remember in the mid 'oughts, where you'd be following someone's newsletter or something, and they'd be all COME TO MY WEBINAR, I'LL TELL YOU ALL ABOUT (insert topic that sounds interesting here). So you'd sign up to sit in on Go To Webinar or whatever for an hour and a half, and clear space in your schedule, and you'd have all the hope that they'd actually tell you about the topic that sounded interesting, but instead, they'd dance aaaaaaaallll the way around it, telling you about WHY you should be interested and the "dangers" of not paying attention and give you just enough that you'd get invested....

...and then they'd pitch you their new! awesome! course/book/program! that was ONLY $499 (payable in installments, of course) and would DEFINITELY tell you all the things they promised to already tell you about in exchange for only ninety minutes of your time? And you'd end up feeling like you willingly signed up to be marketed to, and swore not to do that again (just like the sixteen times you've fallen for it before)?

Just me?

There were times, during this audio series, that it felt just a little bit like this. Cain's got a new! awesome! online community! that you can sign up for that will give you all the information and community you want, all around the topic of a Quiet Life. And she'll even hang out there, and talk with the people who join, as evidenced by the number of stories she tells that are sourced from "her community".

A couple of times, especially in the beginning (she hawked it more in the first two or three steps than later on, until the end), I got eye-twitch flashbacks of sitting there watching my squeaky modem-noise connection lag while some guru would spill how XYZ $$$ Course™ would CHANGE my LIFE, y'all!.

The difference, and I want to make this clear again, is that Cain does give up the goods in the audio series. It's not JUST marketing for her new community. Instead of being a giant sales pitch, it feels more like the brief advertising bits are payment for the free info that lands in your lap.

I begrudge no one (especially not women) for getting out there and getting that coin. And Cain delivers on what she promises here. But if you've also got some kind of webinar PTSD, know that it might be just slightly triggered while you're learning your buns off. :)

[Hope · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting this audiobook to have a Hygge vibe, but got a heavy dose of self-help advice instead. The first part is directed toward introverts with detailed instructions as to how they can come out of their shells enough to use their creative gifts. Though I am not an introvert, I appreciated Cain’s insights into the creative process. The last sections of the book dealt, surprisingly, with healing for damaged emotions. Cain encourages the listener to find healing for past hurts by connecting himself/herself with the Universe. She offers these “comforting,” but, in the long run, empty words: No matter what happens, you’ll always have your own company. You can always make your own meaning; you can always find beings to love. And therefore, you’ll probably be okay.” Then she leads the reader through breathing exercises. Seriously????

I had just finished reading Howards End by E.M. Forster and Cain quotes the key phrase of the book, “only connect.” But you can’t connect to just any old thing. She talks about the “grace” that we receive from the “world”, ignoring that God is the ultimate grace-giver (and meaning-giver) to our lives.

[Jenna Altman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We live in a world of accomplishments, highlight reels, and constantly trying to better ourselves. I love this idea of the quiet life. It puts so much of my desires for my lifetime into words. This book made me feel at peace with myself where I am now and where I’m heading, wherever that may be.

[Lisa Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Susan Cain’s writing and interviews. I desperately needed an audiobook while traveling, and this was a free one. Good stuff for the most part, but it does get a little woo-woo, even for someone who is a little woo-woo like me.

[Tara Cignarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

great free audible to go along with the book quiet

[Julie Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Susan Cain is a wonderful author and person, but this audio book from a series of podcasts didn't do it for me unfortunately. This book felt disjointed and incomplete

[Michelle N · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short audiobook in 7 chapters. I loved Susan Cain's book Quiet, which I read many years ago, so I thought I'd give this a try.

Even if the advice she gives is simple and some of the self-care tips she mentioned I already knew or apply in my life, I found her voice and stories touching and insightful.

I felt joy, peace, sorrow, and awe... and was moved and felt more connected after listening to this.

[Talya Boerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book hit me in an incredibly deep place. It validated my quiet style and the way I think and thrive during a time when I especially needed it. AND, it’s uncanny the similar paths @susancainauthor and I have followed. Thank you @jackiewolven for the perfect recommendation! ❤️✨

#aquietlife #audibleoriginal

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Susan Cain's books Quiet and Bittersweet, so when I found this I was intrigued. It was a very easy, enjoyable listen (sort of like a podcast with music behind certain parts and interview segments from others). For whatever reason stuff she was saying kept making me feel emotional - it was like a deceptively simple but deep read. I'll likely listen to it again soon.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Cain’s work has always resonated with me. This Audible original is no exception. I will be relistening and jotting down some notes. If you enjoyed Quiet or Bittersweet, if you like to dive into the deep end, and/or if you feel the oneness of the universe this is for you.

[Nick Minerva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an Audible podcast to begin with and it was really nice to listen to. I gave 3 stars and maybe it deserved more. I usually reserve my 4 and 5 stars for things that deeply move me in some way. Maybe I get caught up in the fantasy… maybe I’ve learned something profound and possibly life changing…maybe it’s an amazing thriller that took me on an adventure… you get the picture.

This book was a wonderful reminder to my introverted self that it’s ok to want peace and serenity, to stay off of the dramatic emotional rollercoaster of life. I plan to read the actual book. One thing, this author sounds a LOT like Brené Brown. I’ve listened to Brené so much that I got distracted at times just thinking about the commonalities. On one hand, Susan Cain was very easy and pleasant to listen to, and on the other, I wondered if she’d practice the cadence of Brené.

I also plan to join Susan’s web community. I’m very interested in her Quiet Life message. I think this is a great “book” to listen to.

[Well of Lost Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wanted to slam the door on chaos, cancel your calendar, and run away to a cabin with a cat, tea, and zero social obligations? Susan Cain gets it.

This gentle guide is part self-help, part poetic balm for the overstimulated soul. Across seven thoughtful steps, Cain weaves wisdom from philosophers, poets, psychologists—and yes, even monks—to remind us that a meaningful life doesn’t have to be loud to be full.

What I loved:
✨ The mix of practical tools and deeper philosophical reflection
✨ Permission to slow down (finally!)
✨ The way it reframes sensitivity, solitude, and depth as strengths—not flaws

It’s not a prescriptive “do this or else” book. It’s more like: Hey, you’re not broken. You’re just wired for quiet joy. Let’s build a life around that.

Would I recommend it? 100%. Especially if you’ve ever needed a nap from people.

⭐ 4 stars. Thoughtful, comforting, and beautifully written—like a soft sweater for your overstimulated brain.

[Valerie Campbell Ackroyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked a lot of the book but I had two issues: As it’s an Audible and so far I haven’t been able to find any transcript, it’s very hard to remember the points she makes as I was listening to this in the car and out walking. And some of the points I really did ant to write down! And the second was that I sometimes felt she overemphasized her own experiences, sometimes even almost shoehorning those experiences to make them fit her otherwise very good point. But, really, I would give the book 4 points if only there was a transcript!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall good points in the book, but I felt the book could have been shorten to half the pages.

[Allison ༻hikes the bookwoods༺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy Susan Cain but I prefer her books to this shortened version of her views made for Audible.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful, insightful . i loved listening to the author's voice. soothing and calming. a book i can relisten to

[Life of Sadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the chapter on creativity and the first chapter on how to spend your time. But as I went on listening to this book I felt like the author was going off topic. Nevertheless, enjoyed the chapter and different topics mentioned.

[Carley Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out okay for me but took a weird turn about half way through…not what I was hoping for!

[Yuthika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like Step 1. At first, I felt the book was a bit too preachy, too vague... so much so that I gave up on this for months. But I chose to listen to it again today. Step 2 got better and I was hooked until the end. I have earmarked a few chapters that I would like to revisit and put into practice. A good read!

[Em · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't realize it was a podcast rather than a book. Because it's a podcast, it's not scripted, or doesn't seem like it. It's overly drawn out.

Her writing intrigued me, but I've not read her. This "book/listen" isn't making me keen to read her work. There's a lot of repetition at the beginning of each section, so that's the podcast it seems.

She definitely comes from a place of privilege. when it comes to education, income, family support, etc. I am so tired of privileged people sharing their "wisdom" as "thought leaders." Ugh. I've seen these people more and more since the beginning of social media. First, it was blogging, but it only escalated when everyone had a platform to be heard and science called social media. She is not a scientist, a trained philosopher, a psychologist, etc. Yet, here she is, offering advice.

The section on creativity reminded me of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear If you're interested in creativity, definitely look into that book.

I forced myself to finish Cain's book it in case there was a "fleck," her word in this drawn-out mess of navel-gazing, of something in this to excite/motivate/encourage me in some way. Nope.

While I have been and am still ambitious, I've always desired to have a work/life balance. I've never been one to equate life success with high income or a high-status job/career. I've always been a learner and have spent time and money to pursue things of interest, including travel, degrees, classes/workshops, hobbies, training, etc.

Perhaps this audiobook is written for those who have spent years, decades, or a lifetime pursuing the next thing while staying busy and never pursuing things of interest to them. It's certainly not for someone like me. I've always been very much aware that I could forge my way in the world in my own way.

[Sharon Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an "Audible Original," not a book, and it actually seems to have been first created as a seven-episode podcast. I enjoyed Cain's book Quiet, about being an introvert in an extroverted world, so I thought this would be a how-to cope with extroverts, handle extroverted situations, etc. And it was sort of that. The episode on choosing how to spend your time, and do you really need to be a leader (no!) were on target. Then they start to wander - the third episode is "How Can I Live A Truly Creative Life." Since I'm working on that exact topic in my life right now (Also reading Jennifer Abels, Growing Gills which overlaps Cain in several ways) I found it interesting.

But at the same time I questioned why she assumed that everyone who wants to live a quiet life also wants to live a creative one. She is careful to say that there are many types of creativity, etc. etc. But still, seemed a bit off track. The fourth and fifth episodes begged the question even further. They are on emotional pain and moving through grief. Again they were relevant to me as I just lost my dad a few months ago, but I did not see how they were really relatable to A Quiet Life.

Episodes six and seven are about Experiencing Oneness and Accessing a Deeper State of Love.
Again - maybe something many people need or want, but I didn't get the connection to A Quiet Life.

I have the sense that there were things Cain wanted to write, and she wrote them, regardless of whether they related to the subject.

I gave it **** because it provided something I needed at the time, but YMMV.

[Juan Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to reflect on, from the author who wrote the great book on introversion and how introverts can be successful: Susan Cain.

The author proposes living a life of stillness, where stillness does not mean doing nothing but the opposite. The author asks several questions that are worth reflecting on deeply:

Are you spending your time correctly? Most of us are in places we don't want to be, in jobs we don't love, with people who leave us nothing. We're just wasting time and life.

Do you need to be a leader? More than a leader (because there are many forms of leadership) what you have to be is yourself. Be who you are, don't hide from who you really are.

How to live a creative and different life? The author went from being a lawyer to being a writer, she tells us her story.

Emotional pain: How to handle it? Personally, I often feel distant from emotions, as if pain, sadness, humiliation did not exist. Could it be that I am denying the reality of my emotions? Because many times I don't feel love, passion and "positive" emotions either.

The author has reflected on these issues. She made me do it.

[Kriston Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES!! ALL OF THIS!!!

I had lost my grandmother two days before and happened to be listening to a fiction novel that I couldn't get into in my grief. As I search audible, this book came up.

After leaving my high level management role after 6.5 years and processing my emotions in what I call my "Mid-Life reset" I have been in a no F**KS mindset, pushing back against a WHOLE LIFE of people pleasing. I have not been happy and have been looking for ways to slow down and listen to my needs. I wasn't sure if this was just my "age" or unmanaged trama response or if I truly longed for my world to just quiet down. I still desire all the things I did before, but in a different way... I wasn't sure why until I listened to this book.

Susan Cain is brilliant! This book is well written and speaks to your average reader. Not sure if it was my mindset in the moment or the universe telling me to sit down, shut up and listen, but this book really gave me insight to WHY I AM FEELING the way I am. It also gave great suggestions on moving forward and lastly has helped move me forward in my grief.

I HIGHLY recommend this book!

[Chantelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been my first “self-help” book in a while and I quite enjoyed the audio book version. The narrator’s voice is so soothing and fits perfectly with the message of the book.

The seven steps being discussed are as follows:
1. How Should I Spend My Time?
2. Do I Need to Be a Leader?
3. How Can I Live A Truly Creative Life?
4. What Do I Do With Emotional Pain I Can’t Get Rid Of?
5. How Can I Move Through My Grief?
6. How Can I Feel Less Alone?
7. How Can I Access Deeper States Of Love for Myself, and Others?

Each one of them are quite something and a lot to think about. I especially enjoyed numbers 2 and 3, but got a bit “lost” so to speak during numbers 4 - 6, mostly due to some of my own experiences. I will definitely keep this one on hand and listen to it again after processing some of the thoughts I’ve had along the way.

All in all it was an easy soothing listen with a lot to think about.

[BrittiniZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an introvert, deep feeler, highly sensitive & intuitive person, this book really moved me in such a straight forward and simple way to digest ❤️ I love how the writer incorporates all humans as a oneness and emphasizes true acceptance and self love in what a quiet life means. I felt great comfort from a tip in the beginning about finding connection with others first rather than imaginary judgements that we often tell ourselves (especially with social anxiety). I definitely felt emotions when speaking on suffering & grief and how the writer, and many influential people have reached a sense of quiet & peace in their lives AFTER experiencing intense pain and/losses and how they moved through it. It's a great reminder and simple how-to book on how to find your "north star", self acceptance, and references some wonderful insights from scientists perspectives, and how to live a more intentional, mindful, and quiet life with LOVE.