Jay Shetty

“If you can build a muscle, you can build a mindset.”- Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty is a prominent figure in the self-improvement and personal development space, known for his unique journey from monkhood to global influencer. Born in the UK, Shetty spent three years as a Vedic monk, living in ashrams, practising mindfulness, and learning ancient spiritual teachings. His experience as a monk deeply shaped his perspective on life, well-being, and success, providing a foundation for his career as a purpose coach and motivational speaker.

Shetty rose to fame through social media, where he shares content designed to inspire and empower people to live more meaningful, fulfilling lives. His videos, filled with practical wisdom and thoughtful reflections on happiness, relationships, and productivity, quickly gained traction, amassing millions of followers across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. His On Purpose podcast, one of the most popular health and wellness shows globally, features interviews with well-known figures from various fields, including athletes, authors, and business leaders. Through these conversations, Shetty encourages listeners to cultivate mindfulness, overcome self-doubt, and pursue their passions with intention.

In 2020, Shetty released his bestselling book, Think Like a Monk, which distills the lessons he learned during his monkhood into actionable advice for modern living. The book emphasises the importance of managing the mind, developing resilience, and finding purpose, while encouraging readers to live with greater awareness and compassion.

Shetty's work is particularly impactful because of his ability to bridge ancient wisdom with practical, everyday applications. His blend of spiritual insight and modern psychology has helped millions of people worldwide work through challenges and achieve personal growth​.

The Body Of Work

Jay Shetty’s body of work is vast, encompassing motivational content across multiple platforms, all designed to help individuals live more meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Some of his key works include:

1. "Think Like a Monk" (2020)

This bestselling book is one of Shetty’s most significant contributions. In it, he shares practical lessons inspired by his three years as a Vedic monk. The book teaches readers how to develop a monk-like mindset to overcome negativity, calm the mind, and achieve lasting success. Its central themes revolve around mindfulness, self-discipline, and personal growth.

2. "On Purpose" Podcast

Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast is one of the most downloaded health and wellness shows in the world. In this series, Shetty interviews influential personalities, including athletes, authors, and business leaders, about their personal journeys, struggles, and growth. The podcast delivers valuable insights on topics like productivity, emotional intelligence, and the pursuit of happiness.

3. Motivational Videos and Social Media Content

Shetty initially gained popularity through his short, impactful videos on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. His videos often blend storytelling with life lessons, focusing on topics like relationships, self-worth, gratitude, and inner peace. His ability to make complex spiritual ideas accessible to a global audience has resonated with millions of followers.

4. Courses and Coaching

Shetty also offers various online courses and workshops through his website and other platforms, aimed at personal development. These courses cover topics like meditation, purpose-finding, and mental resilience. His coaching programs are designed to provide actionable steps toward achieving inner calm and outer success.

5. Live Speaking Engagements

As a sought-after speaker, Shetty has delivered talks worldwide, focusing on unlocking human potential through wisdom, mindfulness, and purpose-driven action.

These works, rooted in Shetty’s own journey and spiritual background, offer practical wisdom that has impacted millions worldwide

Big Takeaways

Here are five expanded takeaways from Jay Shetty’s work on self-improvement and personal growth:

1. Think Like a Monk

Jay Shetty encourages everyone to adopt a mindset similar to that of a monk. He believes that practicing mindfulness, simplifying your life, and focusing on what truly matters — like love, compassion, and inner peace — helps to overcome negative thoughts and distractions. He emphasises how vital it is to detach from external validation, comparing your worth to others, or measuring success by material possessions. The core idea is that personal fulfilment comes from inward reflection and mental clarity rather than external rewards.

2. Purpose Over Passion

Shetty emphasises the importance of living with purpose, rather than simply chasing fleeting passions. Purpose, for him, is deeply connected to how we serve others and contribute to the greater good. While passions are often personal and short-lived, purpose offers long-term fulfilment. He teaches that aligning your work and personal life with a sense of purpose will give you greater resilience, drive, and contentment. It's about having a meaningful direction rather than just following temporary interests.

3. Self-Awareness and Identity

Shetty frequently discusses the importance of self-awareness as a catalyst for personal growth. He believes that in order to evolve, people must first understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This requires deep introspection, free from societal expectations or pressures. By exploring and questioning one's own identity, individuals can break free from unhealthy patterns and beliefs imposed by others, creating a more authentic, meaningful life. Shetty often links self-awareness with emotional intelligence, encouraging people to reflect on their core values and priorities.

4. Relationships and Kindness

Kindness and empathy are central themes in Shetty’s teachings. He stresses that cultivating strong, healthy relationships — whether with family, friends, or colleagues — is key to happiness. By showing kindness, treating others with compassion, and being present for those around you, you enhance your own well-being. Shetty highlights that the quality of our relationships significantly affects our mental health and personal growth, and advises prioritising meaningful connections over superficial interactions.

5. Mind Management

For Shetty, mastering the mind is the gateway to mastering one’s life. He emphasises techniques like meditation, positive affirmations, and mindfulness practices to quiet the mind and keep negativity at bay. Managing the mind, he explains, involves training yourself to focus on positive thoughts, habits, and perspectives, which directly influence your decisions and actions. Shetty advises regularly reflecting on one's mental state to maintain a healthy balance between emotions and thoughts, which ultimately leads to success and inner peace.

These expanded takeaways from Shetty's work offer practical guidance for living a more purposeful, self-aware, and fulfilling life, with an emphasis on mindfulness and compassion.