The Art of Taking Action: Lessons from Japanese Psychology Paperback – October 30, 2014

I recommend this book to everyone lost in a world of confusion or inaction. If you don't know what to do, or you know exactly what to do yet struggle to do it, you will find practical tips and inspiration here.I have read this book at least 4 times. It always moves me forward. It is easy to relate to the author as he is vulnerable and offers real life examples of struggle. He makes the case that many of our mental health struggles and practical problems can be resolved by consistent action. He offers suggestions to figure out what action to take, how to get started, how to complete tasks and why we should do certain tasks. His instruction deals with mental demons we all face and helps us in very effective ways to overcome them. I always find myself on a forward path after picking up this book.

Ironically, this book had been sitting in my Kindle queue for a couple of years because I was always going to get around to reading it. Well, I finally did, and it was well-worth the effort. The author speaks with compassion and confidence about what it takes to move from inertia to action. As a non-eastern believer, it was interesting to explore eastern psychological insights. It certainly has helped me move from thought to action.

I like that the author is honest. His work is refreshing and not just fluff people want to hear…

Another FANTASTIC book by Gregg Krech! There were so many pearls of wisdom in this book, that it would take all day to write about them. So I will tell you about one chapter that is called "I Get To." So many times we catch ourselves saying "I have to do this or that- ugh." Well, this chapter turns that around and allows us to see how lucky we are to "get to" do so many things. It invokes a sense of gratitude for all we are lucky enough to be able to actually do. It made me realize that people stuck in a hospital bed in intensive care would be happy to do the things we complain about on a daily basis. Gregg combines, in the book, chapters written by him and his wife, as well as other contributing authors, which makes it very interesting to read. It gives the reader many different ideas to ponder. Definitely buy this book, and buy a copy for a friend or loved one. You won't be disappointed.

I was glad to have read it, but the format detracts from its efficacy. The first half of the book is based on "Morita Therapy," which, if you aren't already familiar with it (as I wasn't) is both novel and helpful. But the author proclaims a deliberate effort to avoid producing "just another productivity book," and in doing so constructs the latter half of the book out of personal essays from a variety of contributors, and even a poem, nearly all of which are repetitive, anecdotal, and do not offer any deeper instruction than what is discussed in the first half. A bit disappointing in that respect, as the first half feels like an intro and seems to leave a lot of room for exploration. I don't regret buying it, but I would have preferred to pay half as much for half the book.

If you are looking for some sound – and sometimes pretty direct – advice on how to get more done, this book offers plenty.We often do things that we think are preparing us to move forward when in fact they are things that help us avoid taking action. “Talking about what you need to do, researching your options, making a plan – these can all be effective strategies for avoiding what needs doing.”Gregg Krech, author of The Art of Taking Action, explores a number of different approaches that will help us defeat our tendency to procrastinate. Mr. Krech comes from a meditative background – his approach is largely based on the Morita Therapy approach – “When we stop trying to escape from things as they are, we can move forward and live in a more natural and meaningful way.” Acceptance is the first step.When we experience discomfort, we often default to: avoidance, resignation or complaining, none of those strategies actually help us move forward. By accepting our thoughts and feelings we can move forward and accomplish our goals in life.Mr. Krech writes in a conversational, easy to understand style. He often uses real world examples to illustrate his points. There are several essays by guest authors included in the book. Each chapter is generally introduced by a quote from an Eastern philosopher.One of the key chapters of the book deals with Inaction – Deciding is Not Doing. Too often we decide on a course of action and then relax. “But we should not confuse deciding with acting.” Until we take constructive action, we have not changed reality.“Don’t prepare. Begin” should be a mantra we all keep in front of us. “Start before you are ready.” Is another great idea to keep us taking action, moving forward.There are some good but rather simple points that if acted on will help anyone become better at taking action. Ideas do not count – only action.If you can develop “the capacity to make decisions based on purpose rather than feeling” you will be well on your way to mastering the art of taking action.If is easy to convince yourself that reading the book will improve your ability to take action. Taking action is what will improve your ability to take action. So read the book and learn the tips and techniques – then apply them.

Good tips. Even if it's not perfect. It makes for a good starting off point. You'll some golden nuggets for sure.

In a time I'm struggling to get things done, this book has helped me to take actions despite how I am feeling in the given moment. As I've just finished this piece of art from Gregg Krech, I've become aware of the importance of having a clear purpose and constructing my life about that purpose, which has helped me not only get things done but also introducing healthy habits into my life such as going for a run in the morning, studying languages, and reading more everyday. Thank you Gregg. I'm looking forward to re-read this book and other books of yours. I'm glad you exist! :)

Beautiful book. Very inspiring. I was reading it at the end of my PhD, and it was one of the things which gave me that extra boost of motivation.

The Art of Taking Action is an amazing book on the psychology behind how and why we take action or don’t take action. The author Gregg Krech has cited lot of examples and analogies, which simply helps to understand the subject, find your way out and do the needful for self. Recommended for those, who want to help themselves by working on self and move to next orbit in respective life..!! Sincere thanks to Gregg Krech and his folks...!!! Best regards 💐💐💐

The book is written in a simple and direct language, and it brings precious ideas to help us become more mindfully active in our lives. More than theories, the author talks about his own experiences and tells stories, making the learning more meaningful.

This book is full of wisdom and its own light way helps redirect our attentiin toward acting and keep on moving