Shut Your Monkey: How to Control Your Inner Critic and Get More Done Paperback – March 15, 2016

Full disclosure - I was already a big fan of Danny Gregory. I have other books by him and am a happy Sketchbook Skool participant (check it out at sketchbookskool.com). I was very excited about this book because I do have a very fierce inner critic which tries to stifle my creativity with constant reasons for why what I create isn't good enough or why I should be doing something else. Beyond identifying this unhelpful voice and why it is there at all, "Shut Your Monkey" gives sound advice for breaking through barriers and channeling your energy into advancing your goals. I read through the book once and am now rereading and making notes of helpful strategies. As with many of his other books, I know this is one I will refer back to again and again.

This is a very useful book. Danny Gregory has walked this road, met his monkey, and worked out how to stop its influence, cold. The book is well written, and easy easy to read. It is understandable, follow able, and I expect to find change for how I meet my "road blocks". I. Found that I wanted to write in the book, how pieces of me we activated, write it down then and there. And since it's a Danny Gregory book, I also drew in it. With colored pens. As an aside, I have every book Danny has ever written, and I am a fierce student at Sketchbook Skool, which is also Danny's brainchild. Get the book. Have your colored pens ready.

Book is like new and shipping was very fast. The book itself was a little shallow but not unexpected.

I'll preface this by saying that I'm a fan of Danny Gregory; he's seen a lot, he's done a lot, and he's been through a lot. In short, I believe he knows what he's talking about. But . . . as I read through Shut Your Monkey, I kept thinking, "How did he get inside of my head?" I had never realized before - really - that ALL of us have our own monkeys with which we have to deal, and this realization - intellectually and emotionally - helped me a lot. Now, I know I'm not a "basket case", but I do know that self-doubt and insecurity have held me back in several instances. Danny Gregory's book helped me bring my monkey out in the open where I could deal with it, suggested several excellent coping mechanisms that do work, and even went so far as suggesting some "banishing mechanisms." I can't yet vouch personally for the banishing mechanisms, because they are long-term behavioral changes and I just read the book about two weeks ago. However, I can say this without hesitation: this book has helped me, and I'll probably read it several more times in the future. It was definitely worth my time and money.

I read this book in be sitting. It was as if Danny Gregory wrote this book for me! An easy read & I will be reading it again & again, when I start doubting my abilities. I loved it! I sent one to each of my adult sons & daughter-in-law. One is an attorney, one is a website designer & his wife is designing & starting her own line of clothing. This book is not just for artists. It is for anyone needing encouragement to take chances and/or stick their necks out, or make decisions. Great job, Danny!

Have several of Danny Gregory’s books and enjoy them. However, this one definitely is not his best. Is more for those still in the workplace, not for art hobbyists or retirees. Text and pictures totally in black and white print not mentioned in description so quite unattractive. Vintage photographs with crossed out monkey faces is weird and depressing. Took 4 out of 6 chapters to explain the monkey which was overdone and tiresome then only in the 5th was it explained how to tame it. Not Danny Gregory’s best work therefore, disappointing, only a 3 star rating and not what I expected from him.

I've read many of these types of books-- ways to get around your "monkey mind," either from a creative or psychology perspective. I wasn't sure I'd learn anything new in Danny's book, but I did! He did a thorough (and humorous) description and explanation about the monkey-thinking that gets in our way and keeps us from doing what we want in life. He expanded the metaphor by getting the reader to see how we can use the mentality of the [spoiler alert!] bee and the lion to bypass the monkey, with very helpful and practical tips and ways of thinking. I'm a writer, learning to make art on the side for fun and personal expression, and way into personal growth. Danny has been a great part of this journey in teaching me many things.

I really enjoyed this book! All of Danny Gregory's books are encouraging and inspiring, and this one is no exception. I also enjoy the typography and artwork—Danny's loose and wonky style makes me happy and helps me relax, which helps me grow as a person and an artist. Unlike the other books by him that I have read, this one has a broader target audience, extending beyond the casual sketchbook artist to creative people of all stripes. I think even many people who don't think of themselves as creative would also benefit from the encouragement Danny has to offer, and I'll be sharing my copy with some folks like that.

del afamado escritor @dannygregoryesta este libro que es una joya para callar ese critico interno

I love Danny Gregory's style of writing. He just seems to hit the nail n the head. That little nagging voice in your head can be calmed. I recommend this book to anyone who battles with that inner critic...

I loved it!Very good tips for artist and not!Great if you are looking for well shut your monkey!

especially in the middle and the end, you get where you came for.i loved the short chapters. makes you hop easily back and forthi marked many paragraphs and expressions. the examples named are to the point and visualize the stuff, so you can easily memorize everything you have learned and like to use in your creative life.

A book that tackles the inner critic to your creative process.The 'monkey' analogy is by no means new, but in this book it is cleverly worked into how it can sabotage the creative process and can even totally stop the creative drive. By combining an understanding of the creative process combined with an understanding of psychology, Danny manages to put across a highly readable and entertaining way of helping you combat your inner critic and get on with doing things you love. I found it highly beneficial, particularly as I was in a place where my inner critic was in firmly in control. It has helped me gain control, not just of my creativity, but other aspects that my inner critic has been working hard at. When I finished it I order another 10 copies for people who I thought would like it. My favourite Danny Gregory creativity book so far.