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Break the Twitch: A Practical Guide to Minimalism, Intentional Living & Doing More of What Matters
Every day, we make hundreds of small actions without even thinking about them. Pulling out our smartphones, clicking the one-click purchase button, pulling down to refresh the social media feed, and more. Automatic actions that have become so deeply programmed into our lives that we don't have the chance to stop and ask ourselves a very important question:
Do I actually want to do this right now?
This book is all about taking a step back, identifying the Twitch—the impulsive, unproductive responses we have to discomfort—minimizing those distractions, kicking the clutter, and doing more of what matters.
"In this book, Anthony provides a unique perspective on minimalism and intentional living while proving that small changes really can make a big difference. If you're looking for practical, actionable advice on clearing the clutter and doing more of what matters, this book is a must-read.” —Joshua Becker, Founder of Becoming Minimalist
"If you're tired of your life being left on autopilot and you long to live more intentionally, you need this book. If you find yourself clinging to technology without knowing why or constantly consuming instead of creating, then this one is for you. It's time to Break the Twitch. And Anthony Ongaro will show you how." —Jeff Goins, best-selling author of The Art of Work and Real Artists Don't Starve
"Short, sweet, and motivating is only the tip of this intentionally crafted book. You're bound to have at least a few moments where you say, 'Wait – spending less and having more of what I truly want is that simple?!' The answer is a resounding 'Yes!' as Anthony proves with vibrant stories and practical steps that anyone can do without moving mountains. Get ready to replace your own mindless twitches with more focus, greater awareness, and less stress on your brain or bank account." —Joel Zaslofsky, The Smart and Simple Podcast
"The first step to becoming a more mindful consumer is to identify when you are about to take the false first step and stop yourself in your tracks. "Breaking" the Twitch is essentially learning how to hit the pause button and ask yourself what you really want. In a world where everything is designed for you to act on impulse, Anthony shows us how to take the control back into our own hands—which saves us both money and time, in the process." —Cait Flanders, author of The Year of Less
Do I actually want to do this right now?
This book is all about taking a step back, identifying the Twitch—the impulsive, unproductive responses we have to discomfort—minimizing those distractions, kicking the clutter, and doing more of what matters.
"In this book, Anthony provides a unique perspective on minimalism and intentional living while proving that small changes really can make a big difference. If you're looking for practical, actionable advice on clearing the clutter and doing more of what matters, this book is a must-read.” —Joshua Becker, Founder of Becoming Minimalist
"If you're tired of your life being left on autopilot and you long to live more intentionally, you need this book. If you find yourself clinging to technology without knowing why or constantly consuming instead of creating, then this one is for you. It's time to Break the Twitch. And Anthony Ongaro will show you how." —Jeff Goins, best-selling author of The Art of Work and Real Artists Don't Starve
"Short, sweet, and motivating is only the tip of this intentionally crafted book. You're bound to have at least a few moments where you say, 'Wait – spending less and having more of what I truly want is that simple?!' The answer is a resounding 'Yes!' as Anthony proves with vibrant stories and practical steps that anyone can do without moving mountains. Get ready to replace your own mindless twitches with more focus, greater awareness, and less stress on your brain or bank account." —Joel Zaslofsky, The Smart and Simple Podcast
"The first step to becoming a more mindful consumer is to identify when you are about to take the false first step and stop yourself in your tracks. "Breaking" the Twitch is essentially learning how to hit the pause button and ask yourself what you really want. In a world where everything is designed for you to act on impulse, Anthony shows us how to take the control back into our own hands—which saves us both money and time, in the process." —Cait Flanders, author of The Year of Less
Audible Audio
Published May 1, 2018
24 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Ongaro
1 book7 followersAnthony Ongaro is the creator of Break the Twitch, a website and YouTube channel on intentionally connected living through minimalism, habits, and creativity. Break the Twitch has been featured in Lifehacker, Fast Company, The Star Tribune, The Jason Show and is consistently ranked as one of the top five minimalism blogs online.
Anthony was the Marketing Director of Nice Ride Minnesota, the urban bike share nonprofit in Minneapolis and St. Paul. He currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Amy and their Maltipoo, Rocky.
Anthony was the Marketing Director of Nice Ride Minnesota, the urban bike share nonprofit in Minneapolis and St. Paul. He currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Amy and their Maltipoo, Rocky.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 9, 2019
A very practical book. Much of the idea seems straightforward, but when you read it from the pages of the book, makes it more real and compelling. Must read for anyone striving to do more in life but constantly bogged down by overwhelm.
January 27, 2018
Been subscribing to Anthony’s Break The Twitch channel, I found this book sum up his idea of minimalism in a practical way. It has some personal stories but otherwise packed with handy guide to practicing less cluttered intentional living.
July 7, 2018
Quick read, simple message. Practical advice and ideas for contemplation. Well worth my time to read!
August 22, 2021
Exactly what I needed.
By now I think of myself as a well-seasoned minimalist, but life happens and occationally one just lets things slip. This book is the perfect (in audio form) 2 hour motivational boost to (re-)start your journey into a less distracted, more simple life. Short, gets to the point fast, practical tips and really enjoyable read alltogether!
By now I think of myself as a well-seasoned minimalist, but life happens and occationally one just lets things slip. This book is the perfect (in audio form) 2 hour motivational boost to (re-)start your journey into a less distracted, more simple life. Short, gets to the point fast, practical tips and really enjoyable read alltogether!
December 22, 2017
Starting in 2009, I began my own journey of self-discovery that led me toward minimalism, and I've read a number of books and articles on the subject, some resonating with me more than others. Anthony Ongaro has written a well-rounded book that covers a number of topics relating to minimalism, with a focus on breaking the impulses that distract us from being present and leading more fulfilling lives.
Many of the other books that I've read typically cover the topic of mindfulness from a spiritual, or consumption perspective. I was pleasantly surprised, that Anthony Ongaro covers it from a technology and distraction perspective. Also, at 57 pages, he gets to the point without droning on and repeating himself. That being said, it felt a bit uneven towards the end, when he switches focus from a perspective on technology (impulse buying and distractions) to more general minimalism topics covered by other individuals, which he cites.
It's a good first debut about getting started minimizing your habits and possessions.
Many of the other books that I've read typically cover the topic of mindfulness from a spiritual, or consumption perspective. I was pleasantly surprised, that Anthony Ongaro covers it from a technology and distraction perspective. Also, at 57 pages, he gets to the point without droning on and repeating himself. That being said, it felt a bit uneven towards the end, when he switches focus from a perspective on technology (impulse buying and distractions) to more general minimalism topics covered by other individuals, which he cites.
It's a good first debut about getting started minimizing your habits and possessions.
January 22, 2019
Quite practical. I like the fact that it was short. Anthony Ongaro shares his views on how to break the twitch, that impulse to buy things or go on social medias, and live intentionnally. Very useful in 2019.
April 29, 2023
In 2018 I did an online program called "A Simple Year: 12 Months of Guided Simplicity." Since my copy of this book is a pdf (not a Kindle, not an Amazon fan, yes I realize Goodreads is an Amazon subsidiary, but I really do limit my Amazon purchases as much as possible), it is from that time and program, where Ongaro did sessions on mindfulness. Ongaro begins from the point of the twitch related to online shopping and overuse of social media but then moves into twitches of other habits that don't benefit us. Besides theoretic understandings, this mini-book has plenty of practical ideas, often ones found elsewhere. The idea I did find unique and most helpful was "start with a minimally viable action." If one wants to start a new practice, move toward a lifestyle goal, or learn a new skill, instead of throwing money at it or buying the clothes/books/etc. one "needs" to "look the part," try doing the smallest, more immediate step one can take that is doing what one wants to do--daily read a page, call a friend, write 100 words, do one minute of exercise, declutter one thing, check out a book from the library, try a YouTube exercise video, occasionally travel somewhere beginning within an hour of home.
September 30, 2019
No Clutter Here
A concise and thoughtful book that presents the many ways we distract ourselves from obtaining the life we want by managing our discomfort through consumerism or easy actions. Helpful insights and suggestions to observe our unhelpful behaviors and replace them with authentic action. Highly recommended!
A concise and thoughtful book that presents the many ways we distract ourselves from obtaining the life we want by managing our discomfort through consumerism or easy actions. Helpful insights and suggestions to observe our unhelpful behaviors and replace them with authentic action. Highly recommended!
August 27, 2018
Super useful. This book solidified some things I've been thinking about and put them in a new light and introduced me to some new ways to add friction to things I don't want to be as easy to do. It has already changed how I do things.
November 18, 2018
How I learned to stop buying and learned to love living.
A very concise description of minimalism that emphasizes the reason we have "too much of nothing" cluttering our lives, and not enough of something we value. It gets to the root of the problem.
A very concise description of minimalism that emphasizes the reason we have "too much of nothing" cluttering our lives, and not enough of something we value. It gets to the root of the problem.
February 9, 2018
That impulse you have to make everything convenient? It’s actually making your life worse. This book is a short meditation on how to stop that desire to make everything automatic.
May 19, 2018
An excellent summary of how a minimalist mindset can impact your life. Honestly I only wish it had been longer.
June 26, 2018
3.5 stars. Some original writing, some older ideas
July 13, 2018
Love the one-in-one-out technique!
August 6, 2018
Fun quick read that actually gives practical advice, unlike a lot of minimalism books/blog post. I would love to read more from him.
October 2, 2018
Страхотна книга! Леко и приятно четиво.
December 19, 2024
This was a great read. It’s a short book that provides plenty of ideas and motivation. It’s an easy book for a reread to remind you what you are trying to accomplish.
January 19, 2018
This is the perfect book for anyone looking to make a change in your current habits. The book is very well written and keeps your attention. Anthony does a great job breaking his thoughts down into bits that can be easily tackled. For me, reading a book like this helps give you motivation and encouragement as you reflect on yourself. Knowing that you are not alone and others, though on different paths have probably been faced to walk down a similar path. If you would like to read more of my thoughts I have it published here (https://stillthinking.me/break-the-tw...)
May 8, 2021
The concept of the "false first step" has made a huge difference in my thinking and behavior since I read this book years ago. Well done, Anthony Ongaro. I consider you one of my teachers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews