Mind Training: The Science of Self-Empowerment

by Ravinder Taylor, Eldon Taylor

"I am often skeptical when considering reading a self-help book about how to train your brain. Most are trite and devoid of science. Mind Training does an excellent job of blending psychology and brain science, in an easily readable fashion, making real change possible."
~ Larry D. Rosen, Professor Emeritus at California State University

Mind Training—the art of tweaking formerly subconscious brain processes to eliminate self-destructive behaviors, enhance health and vitality, and supercharge success potential.

We know that exercising regularly will bring numerous benefits, from improved health and wellness to enhanced creativity, but most do not know that training the mind will bring a host of benefits too.

Mind Training examines how the brain works, including how it can create mechanical like habits, employ self-destructive behaviors, reward failure and more. It shows how consciousness is built upon unconscious processes and the kind of impact this can have. This mind exploration is carried out with a keen focus on how this information can be used to improve the quality of life by maximizing natural talents and abilities.

Mind Training presents a way of life that promotes a process of conscious living. Having an awareness of the ‘whys’ behind some of our behaviors will reduce many of the self-destructive patterns that all of us are subject to in certain areas of our lives. Understanding some of our brain chemistry mechanisms allows us to take some manual control to increase our successes and overall feelings of well-being. Discovering some of the automatic mind mechanisms makes it possible to offset the ability for others to exploit them.

Life educates your mind to accept less, thereby limiting and defining you. You can do it better. Drawing on over 200 solid scientific studies, Mind Training is the self-help workout regimen that will enhance every corner of your life.

Areas examined include Psychology, Self-Help, Self-Actualization, Self-Sabotage, Personal Power, Subliminal, Hypnosis, Meditation, Mindfulness, Affirmations, Happy Brain Chemicals, Illusions, Pygmalion Effect, Optimism vs Pessimism, Gratitude, and Spirituality.

"If you want to get beyond wishy-washy feel goodism in your quest for insightful, self-determining, and authentic living, and if you seriously wish to enhance your life in a practical way informed by science-based principles, then this book is for you!"
~ Anthony Falikowski, author of Higher Reality Therapy and Experiencing Philosophy.

Genres: Psychology

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[annie cusack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me back to my undergrad social and cognitive psychology classes, and I really enjoyed how this information was presented. Many of the techniques and concepts discussed in this book are typically used to influence others, but what was so intriguing about these ideas in this context was that you can also use them subconsciously on yourself — for good or for bad. When it comes to cognition and perception, I think many people don’t realize how much our beliefs and ideas about ourselves have to do with how we process external stimuli, whether consciously or subconsciously, and this book is a great introduction to this phenomenon. It was really interesting to view these concepts from a more self-centered perspective.

I acknowledge that preparing and organizing so much research information into a book is tedious, difficult, and requires expertise. As someone in the psychology/neuroscience field and familiar with the studies presented in this book, I thought the organization could have been a bit more cohesive. Some of the end notes made it clear that not all aspects of a chapter flowed together well. However, as an introduction to this information, the presentation was more than sufficient.
In addition, the exercises included at the end of each chapter posed valuable introspection, in my opinion — they were captivating and helpful, and, in conjunction with the information presented throughout the chapters, really made me think about how my subconscious not only affects my thoughts and beliefs, but also my sense of self, my actions, and my life in general.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in disbanding negative or self-destructive thought patterns, or just learning more about how some thoughts and beliefs come to stick with you so strongly.

Thank you BookSirens, the author, and the publisher for a free ARC of this book.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will stay with you long after you read it.
I really enjoyed the clarity of how the studies were broken down. Often studies are quoted, filled with jargon, and left for you to figure out what it all means.
The real life examples make it so easy to understand and relate to what can be a complicated subject. Doing the exercises, and using the provided tools, makes it even easier to train your mind.

[Zoë Routh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extensive exploration of the different aspects of the brain, mind, and self-growth. The science is nicely explored and the practical suggestions are useful in how to claim control of your focus, mind, and mood.

I particularly liked the insights on affirmations, meditation, and optimism.

A useful book for those who would like to explore of how the kind works, and what we can do to manage it better.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
I really did enjoy this book. It was super interesting and I learned a lot! I especially appreciate this type of "self help" book, because it explains why we are the way we are and how. The science behind our brains is insane, and this book goes into such great details about it, and how it was initially discovered. I will admit I felt very smart reading this book, ha. I did however find myself getting slightly bored towards the end. Otherwise, it was a great read.

Thank you to Goodreads for providing me a copy of the book through Goodreads Giveaways!

[Adisyn Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Love the way the author explains everything in detail. Definitely worth the read!

[Thea Westra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're into personal growth and love books that dig deep into how we tick, Mind Training: The Science of Self-Empowerment by Ravinder and Eldon Taylor is a refreshing find. This isn’t your typical self-help book with just feel-good quotes or inspirational stories. It’s packed with science-backed insights into how our minds work and, more importantly, how we can use that understanding to improve our lives.

The book starts by grounding us in realistic expectations—no sugar-coating here. Ravinder and Eldon remind us that true, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight or just by thinking happy thoughts. Instead, they walk us through the science behind how our minds are wired and offer tools that can genuinely help us reprogram old patterns.

The first part of the book serves as an introduction to what’s possible when we train our minds, while also warning us not to fall for the “quick fix” solutions that are all too common in this space. From there, the authors dive into how the subconscious shapes so many of our automatic behaviors and beliefs. They explore different models of the mind, showing us that it’s not just about willpower—there’s a whole set of processes under the surface we need to be aware of.

In the second half, the book zooms in on how our beliefs, both conscious and subconscious, dictate the outcomes we see in life. One of the things I appreciated most was their discussion of the placebo effect. We often hear about it in medical terms, but Ravinder and Eldon show how it plays out in everyday life, too—our thoughts really do have the power to heal or hurt us.

By the time you get to the final part of the book, it’s all about practical application. The authors don’t just leave you hanging with abstract ideas; they provide exercises, tools, and step-by-step instructions to help you start changing your thinking and, by extension, your life.

Ravinder Taylor and Eldon Taylor are no strangers to the world of self-improvement. Eldon is a New York Times best-selling author who’s written extensively about the mind and how we can use it to improve our lives. Ravinder brings her own experience to the table, creating a balanced, down-to-earth tone that makes the science easier to digest. Together, they’ve spent decades researching and teaching others how to unlock the full potential of their minds, so you’re definitely in good hands with this book.

What I love about Mind Training is how grounded it is in real research. There’s so much fluff out there in the self-help world, but this book takes a different approach. It’s clear the authors have done their homework, and they’re not just throwing out buzzwords or trendy ideas. They actually take the time to explain how the mind works, breaking down complex topics like the placebo effect, subconscious programming, and even brain chemistry in a way that’s understandable but still rooted in science.

The best part? They’re honest about the fact that change isn’t easy. So many self-help books make it sound like you just have to think positively and everything will magically fall into place, but Ravinder and Eldon are real with you: it takes effort, awareness, and a willingness to dive deep into your own mental patterns.

The exercises at the end of each chapter are incredibly useful. I found myself taking my time with these because they’re not just “fill in the blank” kind of tasks—they really push you to reflect and start applying what you’re learning. This book gives you the tools to do the work, and if you stick with it, you’ll start to notice the shifts.

If you’re looking for a book that goes beyond surface-level self-help and offers real, actionable steps for personal growth, Mind Training: The Science of Self-Empowerment is definitely worth your time. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to get a better handle on how their mind works and how to use that knowledge to lead a more empowered life.

Unlike other books that promise a quick fix, this one is more like a guide for those who are in it for the long haul. Whether you’re trying to break bad habits, overcome limiting beliefs, or just live with more intention, this book gives you the science, the tools, and the motivation to make real progress.

So, if you're someone who loves diving into personal development with a good mix of science and practical advice, I’d highly recommend picking this up. It's not just about feeling better—it’s about understanding yourself on a deeper level and using that knowledge to make lasting changes. I can see myself coming back to this one again and again as a resource, and I think you will, too.

[John Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of self-help books out there. This one is quite comprehensive, but also an enjoyable read. Not only does it delve into the science of the brain, but offers real techniques on how to make changes. I like how each chapter is broken up, followed by key points and real life exercises. It gives a variety of additional tools that are easy to follow as well. (I personally enjoyed the section on meditation.) As far as books go, this maybe the Bible of self-empowerment.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! She’s so much light on a topic I struggled with for years!