Clean Slate

Behavioral science writer and psychotherapist Lee presents a step-by-step guide to letting go of past mistakes and creating a mindset that creates more positive change.

The first part of this self-help manual discusses what the “Clean Slate Mindset” is by emphasizing that past “failures,” as one sees them, don’t have to define one’s future. She notes that real change happens slowly, and that changing one’s path can often be more advantageous than sticking with old methods. Occasional graphs outline technical terms alongside their definitions, and “Consider this” columns reflect more deeply on specific topics. Throughout, Lee contrasts older approaches to psychological concepts with new ones, as when she compares “Old-School Romanticized Resilience” (which is based on one’s present character) versus “New-School Research-Rooted Resilience” (which is based on “adaptive, values-driven choices”). The second section consists of “Key Question[s]” that relate to points discussed in the first. Each query, such as “How can I tend to my well-being?” is followed by actionable steps, such as “Automate your behaviors,” “Monitor your own chat room,” and so on, as well as questions to “Ask yourself” and mantras, books, and resources to help reach one’s goals. Overall, Lee delivers a self-help book that’s useful and often fun to read. Although it initially gets off to a slow start—the first few chapters, for example, are devoted to discussions what will be had later in the book—Lee’s charming banter keeps things entertaining, as when she writes about well-meaning friends who constantly offer advice: “I mean, yes, they’ve downloaded the Calm app and listened to at least three live your best life podcasts, but is this really license for them to act like the next Deepak Chopra?” Her own commentary is general enough to assist readers with a variety of personal setbacks, and she manages to provide a balance of warmth and practicality that make this guide an enjoyable read.

A witty, easy-to-follow approach to positive transformation.