Book SummaryBe a Triangle, by Lilly Singh

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Be a Triangle

Understanding and Accepting Oneself

In this section, Singh encourages you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, recognizing the fluidity and multifaceted nature of your identity. She underscores the significance of discarding strict social conventions and cherishing the liberty to delineate one's own interpretation of a satisfying existence.

Recognizing the multifaceted and ever-changing nature of one's identity

Singh motivates you to abandon the limiting belief that your identity is immutable and characterized by just a few attributes. She underscores the fluidity of our selfhood, highlighting that our personality, goals, and foundational beliefs continually evolve.

Acknowledging that individuals are not defined by a single fixed trait or characteristic, but rather a dynamic, complex, and evolving set of attributes

Singh wants you to understand that labeling yourself with a single adjective – be it "intelligent," "funny," or even "insecure" – only tells a small part of your story. Acknowledge that you possess a combination of characteristics that might seem contradictory. Embrace the fact that you are capable of being hardworking and driven at times, while also needing periods of rest and recharging. Embrace every facet of yourself, even the seemingly contradictory ones, as they contribute to the beautiful complexity that makes you uniquely you.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for activities that are outside your comfort zone or usual interests. This can challenge the perception of your traits as fixed. If you're known as a tech-savvy person, volunteer for a nature conservation project, or if you're seen as artistic, help out with a local sports event. This exposes you to different experiences and shows you and others that your identity is not limited to a single trait.
• You can reflect on your evolving attributes by keeping a 'change journal.' Start by writing down your current attributes, beliefs, and behaviors. Every month, revisit your journal to add new insights and track changes. This practice will help you become more aware of your personal evolution and may reveal patterns or catalysts for change that you hadn't noticed before.
• Create a personal adjective jar to expand your self-description vocabulary. Write down various adjectives on slips of paper that you feel describe you or aspects of your personality and place them in a jar. Each day, draw one or two adjectives and reflect on how they apply to your actions and decisions. This can help you see the multifaceted nature of your identity and avoid limiting yourself to a single descriptor.
• Start a 'combo journal' where you dedicate a few minutes each day to write about a situation where your seemingly contradictory traits worked together to your advantage. For example, if you're both detail-oriented and big-picture thinking, describe a project where this combination led to success. This practice will help you recognize the value in your complex character and how it can be a strength in various scenarios.
• Track your energy levels and productivity in a journal to find your unique work-rest balance. Start by noting down the times of day when you feel most energetic and least energetic for a week. Use this data to schedule your most demanding tasks during your peak times and plan for short breaks or rest periods when your energy dips. For example, if you notice you're most alert from 10 AM to 12 PM, tackle your biggest project then and schedule a 15-minute walk outside when you typically hit an afternoon slump.
• Create a 'Mix-and-Match Day' once a month where you deliberately combine activities or styles that don't traditionally go together. Wear formal shoes with casual clothes, or listen to classical music while working out. This can help you appreciate the diverse aspects of your personality and how they contribute to your uniqueness.

Accepting the concept that transformation is an essential and inherent aspect of personal evolution and advancement.

Your identity is fluid, and similarly, what you yearn for and your conception of achievement are not set in stone. Singh illustrates her personal evolution, recounting the shift from an intense focus on professional aspirations in her twenties to seeking equilibrium in her thirties....

Be a Triangle Summary The bond one shares with the cosmos.

Lilly Singh underscores the importance of cultivating a harmonious and mutually beneficial connection with the cosmos.

Acknowledging the shared bond one maintains with the surrounding environment.

Recognize your importance as a vital thread woven into the complex fabric of the universe, rather than viewing yourself as an entity distinct from the whole. Embrace the ebb and flow of life, acknowledging that both joy and challenges contribute to the richness of your experience.

Every encounter, no matter its kind, bestows knowledge or incurs an expense.

Singh challenges the notion that a continuous sequence of positive occurrences must constitute life. Instead, she encourages you to adopt a more nuanced perspective, recognizing that even difficult or painful situations often bring valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Consider the notion that obstacles are designed not to weaken you, but to forge your strength and resilience.

Practical Tips

• Implement a 'lesson-learned' ritual after social events or meetings. Take a few minutes to jot down on your phone or a notepad what you learned from the people you interacted with. It could be as simple as noting...

Be a Triangle Summary Managing Distractions

In this section, Singh offers guidance on identifying and avoiding numerous distractions that could impede your journey toward a life brimming with satisfaction. She advocates for the cultivation of methods that sustain attentiveness and give precedence to rituals that strengthen your bond with your inner being and the cosmos.

Identifying the various forms of distraction that can derail one's focus and well-being

Distractions, according to Singh, extend beyond external stimuli like social media notifications and noisy environments. She advocates for awareness regarding internal distractions, which include negative thought patterns, self-imposed limitations, and the persistent pursuit of approval from others.

Distractions encompass not only external interruptions but also include patterns of thought and emotional conditions that arise internally.

Acknowledge the ways in which your own happiness and feelings of success may be compromised when you dwell on negative thoughts, fixate on past harms, or constantly compare your value to that of others. Internal distractions can hinder your ability to immerse yourself in the present and recognize the positive elements that...

Be a Triangle Summary Designing One's Life

Singh inspires you to reject the notion that societal expectations limit you and to proactively shape a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Resisting the urge to conform passively to what society anticipates.

Society often presents a pre-determined path, filled with expectations and timelines that might not align with your personal desires. Singh encourages you to question those expectations and to imagine alternate ways of living.

Harnessing one's creative and imaginative prowess to forge a life filled with fulfillment.

You possess the ability to craft a life that resonates with your authentic self. This involves tapping into your creativity and envisioning possibilities beyond societal norms. Pursue ambitious objectives bravely, seeking a life filled with excitement and motivation.

Practical Tips

• Create a "What If" journal where you write down one unconventional life scenario each day. This exercise encourages you to stretch your imagination and consider possibilities outside the norm. For example, imagine a life where you travel full-time, or one where you've switched careers entirely. Reflect on the emotions and thoughts these scenarios...

Be a Triangle Summary Discovering meaning and achieving satisfaction.

Alter your viewpoint on what constitutes success and satisfaction, understanding that genuine significance and intent typically emerge from nurturing significant relationships and gaining a profound insight into your own character, rather than from outward accomplishments.

Pivoting attention from outward indicators of achievement to inner wellsprings of significance and intent.

Singh underscores that genuine happiness stems from nurturing a profound relationship with one's own essence and the cosmos, rather than from outward successes or tangible assets.

Recognizing that genuine satisfaction does not stem from awards, social standing, or tangible assets, but rather from nurturing a profound and enduring connection with oneself and the cosmos.

Singh advocates for nurturing inner tranquility, joy, and a meaningful existence rather than pursuing outward indicators of achievement. This involves nurturing a connection with your inner being, interacting with aspects that transcend your personal life, and identifying the roots of your authentic joy and contentment.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Meaningful Connections" habit by reaching out to someone different each...

Be a Triangle Summary Implementing Positive Change

In this final section, Singh encourages you to act on the insights gained throughout the book, emphasizing that lasting change requires both courage and commitment. She emphasizes the significance of the "triangle" principles as a guide through the intricacies of existence.

Developing the courage and commitment to make meaningful, lasting changes in one's life

Transformation involves more than merely possessing good intentions; it requires proactive steps. Singh motivates you to pursue a life filled with satisfaction with courage, even if it requires venturing beyond the familiar boundaries of your comfort zone or defying the expectations of society. Embark courageously and determinedly on the journey towards personal enlightenment and growth, understanding that the rewards of such commitment make the effort worthwhile.

Acknowledging that true transformation often involves letting go of old habits, beliefs, and self-views that have ceased to be advantageous.

Release any outdated self-images that impede your advancement and no longer serve your growth. Embarking on this path of letting go can be challenging, but it's essential to clear space for new, empowering...