A guide to freeing yourself from suffering by questioning the beliefs that create it, using the personal inquiry method called The Work.
Topic#
Cognitive restructuring and radical acceptance.
Approach#
Philosophy of acceptance with Stoic and Buddhist influences; proposes a systematic questioning of stressful thoughts to transform our relationship with reality.
Why Read It#
- Teaches a practical, repeatable method for questioning beliefs.
- Helps reduce anxiety, anger, and sadness caused by automatic thoughts.
- Encourages living in greater harmony with what we cannot change.
Common Objections#
- “It’s resignation”: it’s not passivity, but freedom from useless resistance.
- “It’s too simple”: its simplicity is its strength, but it requires practice.
For Whom#
People who want to reduce mental suffering and live with greater inner peace.
Not For#
Those seeking a traditional clinical approach or strictly experimental evidence.
Key Ideas#
- We don’t suffer from events, but from the stories we tell ourselves about them.
- The Work consists of 4 questions and a thought reversal exercise.
- Questioning a thought reduces its power over us.
How to Apply#
- Write down a thought that causes you suffering.
- Ask yourself:
- Is it true?
- Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
- How do you react when you believe that thought?
- Who would you be without that thought?
- Reverse the thought and find examples of how this new version could be as true or truer.
Complementary Books#
- On Self-Hatred — to deepen self-compassion.
- Los seis pilares de la autoestima — to strengthen personal confidence.