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Start Here: Master the Lifelong Habit of Wellbeing
This revolutionary work outlines the first and only cross-training system for mastering the skill of happiness. Think P90x for the soul.
Every day we have a embrace happiness or let it pass us by. But nurturing happiness isn’t easy. It takes understanding, guidance, and training. It takes skill to let go of day-to-day stress and inspire our most inner optimist. It takes LIFE XT.
In collaboration with some of the world’s leading researchers, Eric Langshur and Nate Klemp have created a comprehensive, nine-step training program to help anyone master the skill of happiness (LIFE XT). Teaching core skills such as mindfulness, physical fitness, and compassion will break a lifetime of habits that keep you distracted, overwhelmed, and addicted to unhealthy behaviors.
With Start Here, you
-Feel less stressed and more focused.
-Experience a slower resting heart rate within just twenty minutes.
-Sleep better and feel refreshed.
Based on scientific research, Start Here provides the most efficient pathway to happiness and a greater sense of overall well-being.
Every day we have a embrace happiness or let it pass us by. But nurturing happiness isn’t easy. It takes understanding, guidance, and training. It takes skill to let go of day-to-day stress and inspire our most inner optimist. It takes LIFE XT.
In collaboration with some of the world’s leading researchers, Eric Langshur and Nate Klemp have created a comprehensive, nine-step training program to help anyone master the skill of happiness (LIFE XT). Teaching core skills such as mindfulness, physical fitness, and compassion will break a lifetime of habits that keep you distracted, overwhelmed, and addicted to unhealthy behaviors.
With Start Here, you
-Feel less stressed and more focused.
-Experience a slower resting heart rate within just twenty minutes.
-Sleep better and feel refreshed.
Based on scientific research, Start Here provides the most efficient pathway to happiness and a greater sense of overall well-being.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
125 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 7, 2017
I have mastered the lifelong habit of wellbeing and now utilize it to dominate others and instill fear in my adversaries. i have never felt so alive.
April 26, 2017
I'm giving it a generally positive review because it provides a good introduction to some of the practices that might be beneficial to those who practice them, especially meditation, exercise, kindness/compassion, deliberate gratitude, and social connection. In addition, it suggests ways to incorporate these practices into one's life, with an emphasis on habit-formation.
I'm not giving it more than three stars, for three reasons.
First, there is the repetitive appeal to "ancient wisdom," which is a term that is used very widely in marketing all sorts of unproven, worthless, bogus products as well as debunked ideas (e.g., astrology). The "ancient-ness" of a certain doctrine or idea is of no weight with respect to its truth. The only way to provide evidence in support of the truth of health-related claims is the scientific method.
Second, there are also repetitive appeals to the idea that there is strong scientific foundation or support for all of these practices (and that's a better direction to be going in than "ancient wisdom"!), but there is a good bit of over-credulity demonstrated in that the authors cite research in some areas that consist of single studies or at most a few studies that provide, at best, a good reason to pursue replication of these studies or other studies of the same hypotheses with, for example, different research designs and larger numbers of participants. The practices recommended in this book do have some scientific support as to their potential benefit for mental (including emotional) and physical health, but the quality of the research support and scientific consensus are by far the strongest for exercise, less firmly established for meditation, and scientific support drops sharply for the other practices. That doesn't mean that they aren't very beneficial, only that the claims of scientific support are overblown in a number of instances. Neither of the authors of this book is a scientist (and neither is a psychotherapist), and it shows.
My third reason for criticism is the overwhelming use of little vignettes/testimonials throughout the book. Some may be based on real individuals; some may be fabricated for illustrative purposes. Either way, this is a common failing in self-help books. It amounts to the use of testimonials to support the authors' points, and provided by the authors themselves. Testimonials, of course, should never be considered as evidence in support of a claim that one is making about a factual matter, especially a claim that buying or eating or doing X, Y, or Z will provide any kind of benefit to the consumer.
I'm not giving it more than three stars, for three reasons.
First, there is the repetitive appeal to "ancient wisdom," which is a term that is used very widely in marketing all sorts of unproven, worthless, bogus products as well as debunked ideas (e.g., astrology). The "ancient-ness" of a certain doctrine or idea is of no weight with respect to its truth. The only way to provide evidence in support of the truth of health-related claims is the scientific method.
Second, there are also repetitive appeals to the idea that there is strong scientific foundation or support for all of these practices (and that's a better direction to be going in than "ancient wisdom"!), but there is a good bit of over-credulity demonstrated in that the authors cite research in some areas that consist of single studies or at most a few studies that provide, at best, a good reason to pursue replication of these studies or other studies of the same hypotheses with, for example, different research designs and larger numbers of participants. The practices recommended in this book do have some scientific support as to their potential benefit for mental (including emotional) and physical health, but the quality of the research support and scientific consensus are by far the strongest for exercise, less firmly established for meditation, and scientific support drops sharply for the other practices. That doesn't mean that they aren't very beneficial, only that the claims of scientific support are overblown in a number of instances. Neither of the authors of this book is a scientist (and neither is a psychotherapist), and it shows.
My third reason for criticism is the overwhelming use of little vignettes/testimonials throughout the book. Some may be based on real individuals; some may be fabricated for illustrative purposes. Either way, this is a common failing in self-help books. It amounts to the use of testimonials to support the authors' points, and provided by the authors themselves. Testimonials, of course, should never be considered as evidence in support of a claim that one is making about a factual matter, especially a claim that buying or eating or doing X, Y, or Z will provide any kind of benefit to the consumer.
February 27, 2023
This provides an introduction to positive habits for overall well-being. While I appreciated the grounding in science, many studies cited appeared to be small or potentially singular which may lead to the overstatement of benefits for some habits.
I did appreciated some small tips throughout the book. Unfortunately, for me, this was the extent of what I found useful. Much of the information or steps in their program can be found in many other books on philosophy, meditation, or general reading on wellbeing.
For many books in this genre, I also find that the authors’ voice tends to play an outsized role in how the reader feels about it. For me, this books did not speak to me in a way that I found to be as helpful; however, I really see how this tends to be very individualistic for books of this nature and why others would potentially find it more helpful.
I did appreciated some small tips throughout the book. Unfortunately, for me, this was the extent of what I found useful. Much of the information or steps in their program can be found in many other books on philosophy, meditation, or general reading on wellbeing.
For many books in this genre, I also find that the authors’ voice tends to play an outsized role in how the reader feels about it. For me, this books did not speak to me in a way that I found to be as helpful; however, I really see how this tends to be very individualistic for books of this nature and why others would potentially find it more helpful.
October 24, 2023
Great book, I wish there was less selling of their wellbeing program.
November 18, 2025
Honestly, this book is changing the way I think about the world, others, and myself. I’ve still got a long way to go, but this has taught me A LOT. I’m grateful I got to read it and hope to keep using these ideas moving forward. Definitely recommend for those who don’t just want a “quick fix” to well being.
January 23, 2025
I did not finish this book.
February 22, 2021
Life XT, I will give this a try, there was quite a lot of good stuff here. Much of it I ready to but not in a systematic way. Going to put this together and give it a try. Really liked the compassion component that I am sadly lacking in, so hope utilize the program to improve that aspect of my life. Recommended.
February 18, 2019
The authors, building on their interest and study in the philosophical and spiritual traditions of East and West, and borrowing teachings from the ancients to present day, developed a program for emotional fitness and general wellbeing called Life XT. They tried it on themselves. They tried it on others. And now there's a vast community of people who have read this book, or taken the course, and follow the program to ease a host of problems, from anxiety and depression to feelings of disconnection, lack of focus, and general blah.
It's the subtitle that caught my eye. I like the idea of mastering the habit of wellbeing. And the authors include an interesting technique on how to build a habit and make it stick.
So, what's the program? In a nutshell: First, you "train" your body and mind with meditation, movement, and what the authors call "inquiry," or examining dysfunctional thoughts. Second, you practice "being" in the moment through presence, gratitude, and compassion. Last, you practice "doing" through engagement, relationships, and contributing to the world, or at least the people you meet in the grocery store. Over nine weeks, by adding one practice a week, you will, according to the authors, notice an improvement in your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Being the self-improvement junky that I am, I'm game. If nothing else, the book does a nice job of bringing together a wealth of wisdom that can be applied to everyday life.
It's the subtitle that caught my eye. I like the idea of mastering the habit of wellbeing. And the authors include an interesting technique on how to build a habit and make it stick.
So, what's the program? In a nutshell: First, you "train" your body and mind with meditation, movement, and what the authors call "inquiry," or examining dysfunctional thoughts. Second, you practice "being" in the moment through presence, gratitude, and compassion. Last, you practice "doing" through engagement, relationships, and contributing to the world, or at least the people you meet in the grocery store. Over nine weeks, by adding one practice a week, you will, according to the authors, notice an improvement in your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Being the self-improvement junky that I am, I'm game. If nothing else, the book does a nice job of bringing together a wealth of wisdom that can be applied to everyday life.
August 18, 2016
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I have read a lot of self help and the one thing that was always missing was a way to organize the parts and find a place to start. This book does all of that and more. The subdivision of wellness areas makes logical sense and provides a gateway to healing along actionable lines. Start here is the right name. I suggest you start your journey of self discovery with this book.
December 30, 2018
This is a book that I would only hope that someday I would/could have written. I've never found a more succinct and honest view of the steps needed to take to put the mind-body-soul connection in balance and strengthened. Backed with aspects of science and data, religion and philosophers, testimonials, this book should be the guide to anyone looking to figure it all out. Kudos to the incredible LifeXT team for putting out this incredible read.
May 30, 2019
Liked that it was an entry-level guide to creating well-being habits, with concrete steps for implementation. Also liked that it was grounded in science. The concreteness of the program did not resonate with me, and while the authors work to address that, my preferred approach to these habits would be to really take a deep dive into each, spend time thinking and doing. This was too much of a surface skim for me.
June 11, 2019
Nothing I hadn’t read or heard about before on how to be a more centered, patient, present individual. However they do a great job breaking down the process in to steps - being and doing - and give you some great week by week or month by month ways to integrate these habits in your life. I also appreciated the backing of concepts in science and philosophy. I’m excited to get started on my life xt journey!
January 16, 2021
Includes specific action steps for creating positive habits. I’ve already read several personal development books, so not new material for me, but it’s a great starter book, because it’s very clear and simple, and it’s always nice to have these ideas reinforced - even though it sounds easy and common sense, it’s also just as easy to fall back into destructive habits.
June 8, 2018
Not to clinical. Not too spiritual. Legit advice and reasoning. Helpful, stepped approach for setting baseline happiness and balance. I read this slowly in the mornings, and found it to be easy to digest in small bites. I rarely reread, but I think I’ll end up using this book as a reference tool!
February 5, 2023
I put Atomic Habits on hold through Overdrive, but then the library recommend this book since it was available. I started reading it and really liked it, but then put the book aside when Atomic Habits came through.
But when I went to return to this book, I became confused trying to remember what was said. Wait… did I learn this a few chapters back or was it from Atomic Habits?
Start Here is trying to change your habits to live a fuller life. However, it has more of a road map for it than Atomic Habits. I loved the first three habits of change Meditation, Movement and Inquiry. Very powerful stuff. But the next few habits were more about trying to be a good human with implementing habits to help you be more present and compassionate and to invest more into relationships. Truth be told, I mostly skimmed through the good human parts.
But when I went to return to this book, I became confused trying to remember what was said. Wait… did I learn this a few chapters back or was it from Atomic Habits?
Start Here is trying to change your habits to live a fuller life. However, it has more of a road map for it than Atomic Habits. I loved the first three habits of change Meditation, Movement and Inquiry. Very powerful stuff. But the next few habits were more about trying to be a good human with implementing habits to help you be more present and compassionate and to invest more into relationships. Truth be told, I mostly skimmed through the good human parts.
October 2, 2024
Part psychology book, part how-to manual, Start Here offers a framework for someone seeking balance across the major domains of life.
While I enjoyed the read and appreciated its recommendations, much of the contents in this book echoed of ideas heard elsewhere. The book certainly references authorities on related topics; for example, the authors point to Charles Duhigg's work on habit formation to reinforce many of the daily practices they encourage.
If approached as a compilation of existing wisdom, the book offers useful tools alongside a list major life areas a person should consider. Thinking in terms of "cross-training" I also found helpful.
While I enjoyed the read and appreciated its recommendations, much of the contents in this book echoed of ideas heard elsewhere. The book certainly references authorities on related topics; for example, the authors point to Charles Duhigg's work on habit formation to reinforce many of the daily practices they encourage.
If approached as a compilation of existing wisdom, the book offers useful tools alongside a list major life areas a person should consider. Thinking in terms of "cross-training" I also found helpful.
May 15, 2025
I really like this self-help book about improving wellbeing. I won’t claim to have engaged in the full Life XT experience but I do plan to hold onto this book and reread relevant sections. I read most of it almost 4 years ago and then picked it up again recently. I agree with many of the authors’ philosophical principles and suggestions for re-wiring our brains to enlist them in supporting healthier choices and practices.
March 21, 2020
This was a very good entry level guide to developing some mindfulness techniques. It was exactly what I was looking for, it seems like it has a lot of good practices to implement in my daily life. It would be hard to judge it though until I’ve tested it out to see if it works for me, but it does seem like this will turn out to be a good one.
October 19, 2024
3.5 stars. Read for my Coaching certification course.
Good insight and a good plan laid out. A lot of the information/tips I already had a grasp of due to my faith experience. However I do think the ‘training’ plan layout was helpful and I may implement some of them.
Good insight and a good plan laid out. A lot of the information/tips I already had a grasp of due to my faith experience. However I do think the ‘training’ plan layout was helpful and I may implement some of them.
October 19, 2017
This book made me think more purposefully about where I direct my energy. I see the meaning behind making certain tasks a habit, and along with where I'm at in life, I've felt more at peace.
February 1, 2018
See my review at
https://ctlin.wordpress.com/2017/12/0...
and
https://ctlin.wordpress.com/2017/12/0...
CT Lin
https://ctlin.wordpress.com/2017/12/0...
and
https://ctlin.wordpress.com/2017/12/0...
CT Lin
February 9, 2018
Excellent book for bringing together many practices to help create a life of well being, with practical steps to turn them into habits
June 25, 2018
Informative and engaging.
January 11, 2020
It’s nothing I have not heard of before, but I like the authors’ structured approach - it’s a very practical and doable blueprint on how to increase well being in your life.
January 23, 2021
It is a good review of the principles of well-being. Provides a plan for how to get started.
October 6, 2021
Great breakdown of the importance of finding personal balance in order to influence other domains within your life.
May 15, 2023
Great book. Wish I would’ve started here with Start Here.
October 28, 2024
DNF'd Ran out of time on the book (Audible free library) but I don't think I will bother finishing it if it becomes free later
February 7, 2017
This is a highly practical, yet science based approach to wellbeing. The key thought is that we need to develop habits to rewire our brain for wellbeing, and in doing so overcome our brain's tendency for the negative. The authors describe three phases (Training, Being, and Doing), with 9 practices all in all:
1. Meditation: training the mind to enhance focus and awareness of each moment
2. Movement: enhancing physical and emotional health through daily exercise
3. Inquiry: questioning the stressful thoughts that arise from judgment, attachment, and resistance (they promote ‘The Works’, the method developed by Byron Katie)
4. Presence: experiencing each moment fully as it is
5. Gratitude: feeling deep appreciation for all aspects of life
6. Compassion: extending empathy and love to all (including oneself)
7. Engagement: doing activities that promote the experience of total absorption or flow
8. Relationships: deepening bonds with family, friends, and colleagues
9. Contribution: merging loving-kindness with acts of generosity
While some of it may be too vague or not your cup of tea (the meditation may not be for everyone and the compassion thing can get a little floaty), overall this is a solid approach to becoming happier. I liked that it was practical with tons of suggestions for applying theory.
1. Meditation: training the mind to enhance focus and awareness of each moment
2. Movement: enhancing physical and emotional health through daily exercise
3. Inquiry: questioning the stressful thoughts that arise from judgment, attachment, and resistance (they promote ‘The Works’, the method developed by Byron Katie)
4. Presence: experiencing each moment fully as it is
5. Gratitude: feeling deep appreciation for all aspects of life
6. Compassion: extending empathy and love to all (including oneself)
7. Engagement: doing activities that promote the experience of total absorption or flow
8. Relationships: deepening bonds with family, friends, and colleagues
9. Contribution: merging loving-kindness with acts of generosity
While some of it may be too vague or not your cup of tea (the meditation may not be for everyone and the compassion thing can get a little floaty), overall this is a solid approach to becoming happier. I liked that it was practical with tons of suggestions for applying theory.
July 29, 2021
absolute bullshit. follows a "there's something wrong with you and only we have the cure" pattern. two stupid ass white dudes pretend they've finally compiled the secrets of the universe despite using mostly western philosophies. very little of their claims are backed up. misleading. sounds like a sales pitch. this is a hard NO from me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews