Book Summary "The Art of Taking Action" by Gregg Krech

An Introduction to the Author

Gregg Krech is one of the leading Western authorities on Japanese psychology, especially the therapeutic principles of Naikan and Morita therapy. With over three decades of teaching, writing, and practice, Krech blends Eastern philosophy with practical psychology to offer an alternative to the Western self-help model that fixates on positive thinking and emotional control. His tone is humble, reflective, and deeply grounded. He writes with a quiet wisdom—never preachy, always experiential.

Krech's work revolves around acceptance, attention, and purposeful action. His perspective on healing—be it emotional or existential—is non-pathologizing. He treats anxiety, depression, and procrastination not as clinical failures but as human conditions that can be met with grace and structure. His reputation is that of a gentle disruptor: someone who challenges Western ideas of self-mastery and instead offers a path rooted in surrender, mindfulness, and doing what needs to be done.

The Story of the Book

The Art of Taking Action is not a conventional narrative. It unfolds in a nonlinear yet methodical structure, mirroring the spiritual rhythm of Japanese philosophy. Each chapter stands on its own, yet collectively they build a mosaic of clarity, intention, and movement. Krech draws from personal stories, Zen teachings, and anecdotes from Naikan and Morita therapy, weaving them into philosophical meditations on what it means to live well through action.

Rather than solve problems by “fixing your feelings,” the book asks: What would it mean to live your life based on purpose, not mood? This is the heart of what Krech calls “the question that heals.” By shifting from an inner obsession with how we feel to an outer devotion to what needs doing, Krech invites the reader into a more liberated, fulfilling life.

A Summary of the Book

The core message of The Art of Taking Action is radical in its simplicity: You don’t need to feel good to do good. In fact, many of life’s most meaningful actions are taken in spite of fear, anxiety, or resistance—not after they’re conquered.

Krech draws from Morita therapy, which emphasizes acceptance of feelings, clear intention, and taking purposeful action. Rather than wrestle with anxiety or procrastination, Krech teaches readers to coexist with discomfort while acting anyway. He debunks the myth that feelings must be resolved before progress is possible.

Key themes include:

• Emotional Healing Through Action:
• Healing isn’t always introspective. Sometimes, showing up, cleaning the kitchen, or writing the first page is the truest form of therapy.
• Self-Awareness Without Obsession:
• Unlike Western self-help, Krech warns against over-analyzing our inner world. Mindfulness is essential—but not indulgent.
• Spiritual Insight in the Mundane:
• Spirituality isn’t a lofty realm. It’s found in brushing your teeth, feeding your child, or finishing a project—especially when you don’t feel like it.

Krech’s synthesis of Eastern wisdom and Western stuckness becomes a lifeline for those paralyzed by perfectionism, doubt, or emotional fatigue.

detailed summary of all the book's chapters.

Chapter 1: How Do You Know What Action to Take?

Krech begins by identifying two common challenges: knowing what needs to be done but failing to act, and being uncertain about what action to take. He emphasizes the importance of prioritization, distinguishing between urgent and important tasks, and aligning actions with one's purpose.

Chapter 2: Taking Risks

This chapter explores the necessity of taking risks to live a meaningful life. Krech argues that avoiding risks can lead to stagnation and regret. He encourages readers to embrace uncertainty and step out of their comfort zones to discover their true potential.

Chapter 3: Morita Therapy

Krech introduces Morita Therapy, a Japanese psychological approach that emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings without trying to change them. The focus is on taking purposeful action despite emotional discomfort, fostering resilience and progress.

Chapter 4: Kaizen

Kaizen, meaning "continuous improvement," is presented as a strategy for personal change. Krech advocates for making small, incremental changes to build momentum and achieve significant transformations over time.

Chapter 5: Deciding Is Not Doing

Krech discusses the illusion of progress that comes from decision-making without action. He emphasizes that real change occurs only through tangible steps, not just intentions or plans.

Chapter 6: To Merely Want to Do Something Is Not Enough

This chapter highlights the gap between intention and action. Krech shares a story illustrating that good intentions must be followed by immediate action to make a meaningful impact.

Chapter 7: The Stress of Not Getting Things Done

Krech examines how procrastination and unfinished tasks contribute to stress. He suggests that taking action, even small steps, can alleviate anxiety and create a sense of accomplishment.

Chapter 8: The Price That Others Pay

This chapter explores how our inaction affects others. Krech emphasizes the interconnectedness of our actions and encourages readers to consider the broader impact of their choices.

Chapter 9: Clarity

Krech discusses the importance of clarity in initiating action. He advises starting with small steps to gain insight and direction, even when the path isn't fully clear.

Chapter 10: Procrastination Disguised as Busyness

This chapter addresses how busyness can be a form of procrastination. Krech warns against filling time with low-priority tasks to avoid more important, challenging work.

Chapter 13: What Do We Have Here?

Krech encourages readers to assess their current situation and resources before taking action. This mindful approach helps in making informed decisions and initiating progress.

Chapter 14: Show Up

The act of physically showing up is emphasized as a crucial step toward action. Krech argues that being present creates opportunities for engagement and reduces resistance.

Chapter 15: Resolutions and Inspiration

Krech examines why resolutions often fail, attributing it to the disconnect between thought and action. He stresses the importance of consistent effort over fleeting inspiration.

Chapter 25: Overcoming by Going Around

This chapter introduces the concept of navigating around obstacles rather than confronting them directly. Krech suggests alternative strategies to maintain momentum despite challenges.

Chapter 27: Non-Attachment: Effort and Outcomes

Krech discusses the importance of focusing on effort rather than being attached to outcomes. He advocates for distinguishing between what is controllable and what is not, to reduce stress and enhance effectiveness.

Chapter 29: Dealing with Deadlines

This chapter explores how structured deadlines can improve performance and reduce procrastination. Krech references studies demonstrating the benefits of self-imposed deadlines.

Chapter 32: Impermanence and Legos

Krech uses the metaphor of Legos to illustrate the concept of impermanence. He encourages embracing change and viewing it as an opportunity for creativity and growth.

Chapter 33: Just Do It

Drawing from Zen teachings, Krech emphasizes wholehearted engagement in tasks. He advises focusing fully on one activity at a time to enhance presence and effectiveness.

Chapter 34: Taking Action in Relationships

Krech discusses the importance of intentional actions in nurturing relationships. He suggests acting in ways that align with one's values, regardless of current emotions.

Chapter 36: Indecision

This chapter addresses the paralysis caused by indecision. Krech recommends taking small steps to gain clarity and overcome uncertainty.

Chapter 37: Discouragement

Krech explores how to deal with discouragement by encouraging others and focusing on purposeful action. He emphasizes the role of community and support in overcoming despair.

Chapter 38: Perfectionism

This chapter examines how perfectionism hinders action. Krech advises accepting imperfections and focusing on progress rather than flawless outcomes.

Chapter 39: Television

Krech critiques excessive television consumption as a form of passivity. He encourages reducing screen time to engage more actively with life.

Chapter 40: Boredom

The final chapter addresses boredom as a barrier to action. Krech suggests cultivating curiosity and focusing on details to transform mundane tasks into engaging activities.

The Art of Taking Action offers a comprehensive guide to overcoming inertia and living a purposeful life through mindful action. Krech's integration of Japanese psychological principles provides practical strategies for readers seeking to align their actions with their values.

The Objectives of the Book

Krech’s mission is twofold: to free readers from the tyranny of their feelings and to reconnect them with the dignity of ordinary action.

This book doesn’t promise euphoria or productivity hacks. It seeks to:

• Restore a sense of agency to those immobilized by overthinking or emotional overwhelm.
• Reframe resistance not as an enemy, but as a condition of the human experience.
• Inspire a gentler, more disciplined approach to life that values doing what needs doing, not waiting to feel ready.

It’s a manual for building a quiet kind of courage—the kind you need to make a phone call, file your taxes, or return to your art after months away.

The Target Audience

The Art of Taking Action speaks to:

• Overthinkers and perfectionists seeking relief from analysis paralysis.
• Spiritually inclined readers who appreciate mindfulness but feel stuck in inaction.
• People in emotional transition—grief, burnout, depression, or career limbo.
• Those drawn to authors like Pema Chödrön, Mark Nepo, or Tara Brach, but ready for a more action-oriented path.

This is not for those craving quick fixes. It’s for readers who want to engage deeply with life, even when it's hard.

Excerpts from the Book

• “Our feelings are weather. They shift, but they don’t determine whether we go outside and live our lives.”
• “You are not required to feel courageous to do courageous things.”
• “Morita therapy doesn’t ask you to fix your anxiety. It asks: what can you do while being anxious?”

These lines capture Krech’s warm, steady voice. They are like handrails in the fog—simple, supportive, and quietly transformative.

Your Perspective on the Book

The Art of Taking Action is subtle but revolutionary. It does not overwhelm with jargon or promises. Instead, it shifts your entire framework for understanding effort, motivation, and healing.

It’s not for those looking to hack their way to success or feel good 24/7. It’s for those ready to face the emotional weather and live anyway.

The book’s strength is its mature compassion—never patronizing, always clear. Krech isn’t trying to “empower” you in a performative way. He’s reminding you that your life is already happening—and you have the ability to participate, fully and honestly, starting now.

Some may find it too quiet, too non-linear, or too Eastern in its flavor. But for the right reader, it doesn’t just inform—it reorients. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t shout. It whispers, then lingers, then changes the way you wash the dishes and write the email you’ve been avoiding.