In "Wake Up!: How to Get Out of Your Mind, Stop Living on Autopilot, and Start Choosing Your Best Life," author Claudia Velandia offers a powerful manual for escaping the rut of unconscious living. The book’s core message is that much of human suffering—including habitual, destructive behaviors—is caused by being constantly lost in thought, reacting automatically to life, and living on "autopilot." Velandia draws on principles of mindfulness, cognitive awareness, and personal empowerment to guide readers back into a state of intentional choice.

The book provides practical exercises and techniques designed to help readers develop metacognition—the awareness of one's own thought processes. By learning to observe their thoughts and habits without judgment, readers gain the space needed to interrupt unconscious reactions and deliberately choose actions that align with their deepest values. "Wake Up!" is an empowering resource for anyone who feels stuck in a cycle of habitual behavior. For those in recovery, it is an invaluable guide to interrupting the automatic link between internal triggers and addictive actions, enabling them to build a conscious, deliberate, and fulfilling sober life.

Study Guide for Recovery

This study guide is designed to help you explore the concepts in "Wake Up!" and apply them to your own journey of recovery.

Key Themes & Concepts

• The Autopilot Trap: Recognizing that addiction and destructive habits thrive when we operate unconsciously, and that breaking free requires intentional awareness.
• Metacognition (Observing Your Mind): The practice of stepping back to observe your thoughts and emotions, thereby realizing they are not commands you must obey.
• Conscious Choice: Shifting from reaction to intentional response, which empowers the individual to consistently choose actions that support their sobriety and well-being.
• Values-Driven Living: The importance of identifying your most cherished values and using them as a compass to guide your conscious choices, especially when faced with triggers.

Discussion Questions

1. What does your "autopilot" mode look and feel like? Identify one daily routine where you are currently on autopilot and how you can intentionally "wake up" during that moment today.
2. The book encourages metacognition. Think about the last time you experienced a strong craving or a wave of self-criticism. How could observing that thought, rather than engaging with it, have changed your response?
3. The goal is conscious choice. What is one habitual thought or behavior related to your past addiction that you are committed to interrupting with a conscious choice today?
4. What are your top two core values that guide your "best life"? How does living on autopilot prevent you from honoring those values?
5. What small, tangible step can you take today to "get out of your mind" (overthinking/worrying) and "into your life" (taking action)?

Additional Resources

• Video: "How to Stop Living on Autopilot"
  • Watch a short video or interview that discusses the psychological principles of breaking unconscious habits and practicing intentional awareness. (Search "how to stop living on autopilot psychology" on YouTube.)
• Article: "Metacognition and Self-Awareness in Recovery"
  • This article from a mental health publication explains the importance of becoming aware of your thoughts in order to manage emotional responses and cravings. (Search "metacognition in addiction recovery".)
• Resource: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Exercises:
  • Many of the book's concepts align with ACT. Explore simple ACT exercises for disarming difficult thoughts and committing to valued action. (Search "ACT cognitive defusion exercises".)
• Website: Claudia Velandia's Platform:
  • Seek out the author's official platform for more teachings, tools, and resources on conscious living and personal development. (Search "Claudia Velandia website".)