I stumbled upon Mindvalley six months ago, a platform a close friend suggested. Although I was initially concerned, given a few reviews I had read about the course, it was an excellent decision for me.
After six months of immersing myself in their courses, I’m excited to share my unfiltered experience and help you decide if Mindvalley is a suitable investment for your personal development journey.
So, is Mindvalley a scam? Are the courses helpful? Why do people talk negatively about Mindvalley?
Let’s uncover all the details!
The Truth About Mindvalley: My Quick Verdict
- Vishen Lakhiani, an entrepreneur and author, founded Mindvalley in 2003. He’s a prominent figure in the personal development space.
- The content and the caliber of the instructors on Mindvalley are top-notch. However, like any self-improvement program, your results depend on your commitment and application.
- While many users boast about life-changing experiences, some critics question the scientific basis of specific courses. I’ve found the majority of feedback to be positive.
- As of 2024, the annual membership costs $399, which gives you access to most courses. There’s also a monthly option at $99.
- While most content is behind a paywall, Mindvalley offers some free masterclasses and a limited selection of free content to give you a taste of their approach.
Is Mindvalley A Scam?
Let’s address the elephant in the room. I’ve seen numerous forum posts and comments questioning Mindvalley’s legitimacy, often labeling it as a “scam” or “cult-like” before and after taking the course:
After extensive use, I can confidently say that Mindvalley is not a scam. Here’s why:
- Tangible Content: The platform offers actual, structured courses with actionable insights.
- Reputable Instructors: Many Mindvalley teachers are recognized experts in their fields.
- Transparent Pricing: While not cheap, the pricing structure is clear and upfront.
- Money-Back Guarantee: They offer a 15-day refund policy, which I find fair.
However, I believe the “scam” perception stems from a few factors:
- Aggressive marketing tactics that can feel overwhelming
- Some courses teach strange ideas that are hard to believe
- The high price point, which isn’t feasible for everyone
It’s crucial to approach Mindvalley (and any self-help program) with a balanced perspective.
While it’s not a magic pill for success, it can be a valuable tool if you’re committed to personal growth.
Who Is Mindvalley For?
In my journey with Mindvalley, I’ve realized it caters to a diverse audience, but it’s particularly beneficial for:
- Personal Growth Enthusiasts: If you’re passionate about continuous self-improvement, Mindvalley’s wide range of courses will keep you engaged.
- Busy Professionals: The bite-sized daily lessons (usually 20 minutes) fit nicely into hectic schedules.
- Spiritual Seekers: Many courses explore consciousness, meditation, and alternative healing practices.
- Career Transitioners: Courses on leadership, productivity, and entrepreneurship can be valuable for those looking to level up professionally.
- Wellness-Focused Individuals: There’s a strong emphasis on holistic health, including nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being.
However, it’s worth noting that Mindvalley might not be the best fit for:
- Hardcore skeptics who dismiss anything that isn’t strictly evidence-based
- Those looking for deep, academic-level courses in specific subjects
- People who prefer traditional learning methods over experiential, often unconventional approaches
While some reviews suggest Mindvalley is only for beginners, I disagree. As someone with prior experience in personal development, I still found value in many advanced concepts and unique perspectives offered by the courses.
How Does Mindvalley Work?
Mindvalley operates on a membership model. Once you subscribe, you have access to most of their courses (called “quests”).
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Quest Structure: Most courses are structured as 30-45-day programs with daily video lessons.
- Microlearning Approach: Lessons are typically 10-20 minutes long, designed for daily consumption.
- Community Aspect: Each quest has a community where you can interact with fellow learners.
- Gamification: You earn points and badges as you progress, which I found surprisingly motivating.
- Supplementary Materials: Many courses include workbooks, meditation audio, and bonus content.
- Live Coaching Calls: Some quests feature live Q&A sessions with the instructors.
What I appreciate most is the flexibility. You can take multiple quests simultaneously or focus on one at a time. The platform remembers your progress, making it easy to jump back in if you take a break.
Mindvalley Instructors: Who Are They?
One of Mindvalley’s biggest strengths is its roster of instructors. These aren’t just run-of-the-mill self-help gurus; many are recognized authorities in their fields.
Apart from Vishen Lakhiani, who is the founder and also an instructor of the popular Silva Ultramind course, here’s a glimpse at some standout teachers:
- Jim Kwik: A world-renowned expert in speed reading, memory improvement, and accelerated learning.
- Dr. Shefali Tsabary: A clinical psychologist and bestselling author known for her work on conscious parenting.
- Robin Sharma: Leadership expert and author of “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.”
- Marisa Peer: Marisa Peer is a therapist with over 30 years of experience who is known for Rapid Transformational Therapy.
- Ken Honda: Japan’s bestselling self-development author, focusing on the psychology of money.
- Emily Fletcher: Founder of Ziva Meditation and expert in stress reduction.
What impresses me most is how Mindvalley seems to handpick experts who not only have credentials but also possess the ability to communicate complex concepts in an engaging, accessible manner.
This balance of expertise and teaching skills has significantly enhanced my learning experience. Check out all the Mindvalley instructors and what courses they cover by visiting the attached link.
Mindvalley Courses: Complete Review
Mindvalley’s course library, or “quests” as they call them, is extensive and diverse. They cover a wide range of topics under categories like:
- Mind
- Body
- Soul
- Career
- Entrepreneurship
- and Relationships
What sets these courses apart is their structure. Unlike traditional online classes you might binge-watch over a weekend, Mindvalley quests are designed for daily engagement over several weeks.
In my experience, this approach helps in better retention and implementation of the concepts learned.
Each quest typically includes:
- Daily video lessons (10-20 minutes each on average)
- Practical exercises and challenges
- Community discussions
- Supplementary reading materials
Until this review was written, the production quality was consistently high across all courses, with engaging visuals and well-structured content. However, the depth and practicality can vary depending on the instructor and topic.
Do You Get a Certificate After Completing Mindvalley Courses?
Mindvalley offers certificates of completion for its courses and scores well in an assessment. After finishing a quest, you can take an assessment test. You’ll receive a digital certificate if you score 80% or above.
While traditional educational institutions don’t accredit these certificates, they can be valuable for personal satisfaction and demonstrating your commitment to self-improvement. I’ve found them motivating and have even shared a few on my LinkedIn profile.
It’s important to note that the real value lies in the knowledge and personal growth you gain from the courses rather than the certificate itself. Mindvalley’s focus is on transformation, not formal qualifications.
My Top 5 Course Recommendations & Experience With Them
After exploring numerous quests, here are my top 5 recommendations based on personal experience:
1. Superbrain By Jim Kwik
While I am halfway through this course, it has revolutionized how I learn and remember information. Jim’s techniques for speed reading and memory enhancement are practical and effective.
2. Be Extraordinary By Vishen Lakhiani
A comprehensive program that challenges conventional thinking. It helped me reframe my approach to goal-setting and personal growth.
3. Uncompromised Life By Marisa Peer
Marisa’s approach to Rapid Transformational Therapy helped me overcome some long-standing limiting beliefs. The hypnotherapy sessions were particularly impactful.
4. Money EQ By Ken Honda
This course changed my relationship with money. Ken’s concept of “happy money” and exercises for healing financial wounds were eye-opening.
5. The Habit of Ferocity By Steven Kotler
Focused on high performance, this quest taught me practical ways to enter flow states and maximize productivity. Kotler’s scientific approach was refreshing
Each of these courses provided unique insights and practical tools that I continue to use in my daily life. Apart from these, I have a few under my list of courses to take up.
Mindvally also understands the type of courses you like and your profile and shares suggestions with you for future learning.
How Much Does Mindvalley Cost?
Mindvalley’s pricing structure is straightforward but can be a significant investment. As of 2024, they offer four main options called “levels.”
- Level 1 – Mindvalley Starter: Free
- Level 2 – Mindvalley Partner Programs: $299 – $899 per product
- Level 3 – Mindvalley Membership: $399 per year (equivalent to about $33.25 per month)
- Level 4 – Mindvalley Membership Pro: $598/year
There’s also a 15-day money-back guarantee, which is reassuring. It allows you to explore the platform risk-free and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Mindvalley Membership vs Membership Pro
Mindvalley offers two tiers of membership: the standard Membership and Membership Pro. Here’s a comparison of key inclusions:
| Feature | Mindvalley Membership | Mindvalley Membership Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Access to all quests | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mobile app access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Community access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live coaching calls | Limited | Unlimited |
| Exclusive Pro content | ❌ | ✅ |
| Priority support | ❌ | ✅ |
| Offline viewing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Annual cost | $399 | $598 |
The Pro membership offers some attractive perks, especially if you’re fully committed to the Mindvalley ecosystem. However, I’ve found the standard membership sufficient for most needs.
Does Mindvalley Offer Free Courses?
Mindvalley also offers some free content, which I did not know! This is a great way to test the waters before committing to a paid membership. Here are some options you can explore for free:
- Free Masterclasses: These are 60-90-minute workshops with various instructors that offer a taste of their teaching style and content.
- Mindvalley Talks: Like TED Talks, these are free videos featuring insights from Mindvalley instructors and other thought leaders.
- The 6 Phase Meditation: A free quest by Vishen Lakhiani, introducing his popular meditation technique.
- Free chapters: Some quests offer the first few lessons for free.
While these free offerings don’t provide the full Mindvalley experience, they’re an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the platform and decide if it aligns with your personal development goals.
Mindvalley Discount
Mindvalley occasionally offers discounts, especially during special events or holidays. Here are some ways to potentially save:
The live discount that you can get while subscribing to Mindvalley for the first time is a whole $100.
For a select time, new users can claim $50 or $100 off on purchasing their monthly or annual Mindvalley memberships, respectively.
Apart from this, with the Mindvalley referral program, you can earn credits by referring friends, which can be applied to your membership cost.
While discounts aren’t always available, the value proposition of unlimited access to courses makes the regular price worthwhile.
Does Mindvalley Offer A Student Discount?
Mindvalley does offer a student discount through Student Beans. The currently active discount when I checked was 60% upon purchasing an annual subscription to Mindvalley.
This discount can be an excellent opportunity for students to access personal development resources at a more affordable rate.
What About Military Discount?
As per their official statement release, Mindvalley offers a 40% discount to frontline workers partnered with ID.me for users under the following categories:
- Military
- Healthcare Providers
- First Responders
- Teachers
- Students
- Government Employees
Mindvalley Black Friday Sale
I missed out on this special sale when Mindvalley offered up to 40% lifetime discount on their annual membership plans. You should not miss out on this deal, and make sure you look out for this deal from late October or early November.
The sale usually starts a few days before the actual Black Friday and extends through Cyber Monday. It’s a great opportunity to access Mindvalley’s full library at a significantly reduced price.
Keep in mind that these deals are time-sensitive, so it’s a good idea to sign up for Mindvalley’s newsletter to be notified when the sale begins.
Mindvalley Customer Support
In my experience, Mindvalley’s customer support has been responsive and helpful and reached out to me swiftly whenever I had issues. They offer several channels for assistance:
- Email Support: You can expect a response within 24-48 hours.
- Live Chat: Available on their website during business hours.
- Help Center: A comprehensive FAQ section covering the most common issues.
- Community Forums: Often, other members can provide quick answers to questions.
While I’ve had mostly positive experiences, I’ve seen some users complain about slow response times during peak periods. Overall, though, their support is adequate for addressing any issues or questions that arise.
Reach out here if you’re facing any issues related to your Mindvalley account.
Mindvalley University
Mindvalley University is an annual event that brings the online community together for in-person learning and networking for all Mindvalley members. The 2024 event took place in Tallinn, Estonia, from July 1-21.
Here’s a glimpse of what the event offers:
- Live workshops with Mindvalley instructors
- Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals
- Cultural experiences in the host city
- Programs for children and teens
Here’s a video recap of a recent Mindvalley University event:
While I haven’t personally attended, many members speak highly of the immersive experience and connections made at these events, and I am looking forward to visiting next year!
Mindvalley User Reviews
Now, although I have had a positive experience with Mindvalley, not everyone has. To provide a balanced perspective, I’ve gathered feedback from various sources:
- Mindvalley Review Complaints:
Some users have reported issues with billing, particularly difficulties in canceling subscriptions. Others have found specific courses too introductory or esoteric.
The Better Business Bureau has a separate section for user complaints, and a majority of users complain of being charged even after they cancel their subscriptions.
- Mindvalley Review Reddit:
Reddit opinions are mixed. Many users praise the quality of courses and instructors, while others criticize the marketing tactics and price point.
Check out this thread from r/lifecoaching on Reddit, which has elaborate user experiences to help you understand how others feel about Mindvalley.
- Trustpilot:
Mindvalley has a 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot, with many users highlighting personal transformations. Negative reviews often mention customer service issues.
Positive Mindvalley review on Trustpilot:
Negative Mindvalley review on Trustpilot:
It’s clear that experiences vary, often depending on individual expectations and how actively users engage with the content.
One of my motives for sharing this review here is for first-time users to get to understand both sides of the coin.
While Mindvalley might be great at offering its courses, its support system, refund initiation, and response times need a lot of work. I’ve reviewed a few of the reviews I encountered while writing this Mindvalley review.
Mindvalley Controversies
Like many prominent companies in the self-help industry, Mindvalley has faced its share of controversies:
- Scientific Basis: Some critics question the scientific validity of certain courses, particularly those dealing with energy healing or metaphysical concepts.
- Marketing Tactics: The company’s aggressive marketing approach, including frequent ads and emails, has been a point of contention for some.
- Cult-like Accusations: Some have described Mindvalley’s fervent following as cult-like, though this seems to be more about the enthusiasm of some members rather than any manipulative practices by the company itself.
- Pricing Concerns: The high cost of membership has led to debates about accessibility and value for money.
It’s important to approach these controversies with a balanced view. While Mindvalley isn’t perfect, my experience suggests that many of these issues are overblown or based on misunderstandings.
For example, marketing tactics or cult-like accusations are totally subjective to the user and cannot be termed a downside of Mindvalley.
Mindvalley Lawsuit
In 2023, Mindvalley faced a class action lawsuit related to alleged Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) violations. The lawsuit claimed Mindvalley shared users’ video viewing data with Facebook without proper consent.
As of my last update, the case was still ongoing. It’s worth noting that similar lawsuits have been filed against many online platforms, and they often revolve around complex interpretations of privacy laws.
This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of data privacy in the digital age. While it’s a serious matter, it doesn’t necessarily reflect the quality of Mindvalley’s educational content.
Mindvalley Pros And Cons
After extensive use, here’s my breakdown of Mindvalley’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- High-quality, well-produced courses
- A diverse range of topics covering various aspects of personal development
- Renowned experts as instructors
- Flexible learning format with bite-sized daily lessons
- Strong community aspect for support and motivation
- Regular addition of new courses
- Mobile app for on-the-go learning
- A holistic approach to personal growth
Cons:
- Relatively high price point
- Some courses may feel too unhelpful for experts
- Limited direct interaction with instructors
- No accredited certifications
- Some users report difficulty canceling subscriptions
Mindvalley Alternatives
While Mindvalley offers a complete package of personal development courses, it’s not the only player in the field. Here’s a comparison with some popular alternatives:
| Platform | Focus | Price (Annual) | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindvalley | Personal development, holistic growth | $399 | Wide range of topics, community aspect |
| MasterClass | Celebrity-taught courses in various fields | $240 | High-profile instructors, broader topic range |
| Udemy | Skill-based courses | Varies (per course) | Vast course selection, lifetime access |
| Coursera | Academic and professional courses | $399 (Coursera Plus) | University partnerships, certificates |
Each platform has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific goals and learning preferences.
Conclusion: Mindvalley is Worth Trying
After six months of immersing myself in Mindvalley’s ecosystem, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and the benefits have outweighed the investment that I had made.
The platform has genuinely helped me grow in various aspects of my life – from enhancing my cognitive abilities to reshaping my relationship with money and improving my overall well-being.
What I appreciate most about Mindvalley is its holistic approach to personal development. It’s not just about learning new skills or gathering information; it’s about transforming your entire way of thinking and being.
The bite-sized daily lessons fit perfectly into my busy schedule, making consistent learning achievable. The community aspect was precious – sharing experiences and insights with fellow learners added depth to my journey.
However, it’s important to approach Mindvalley with realistic expectations. It’s not a magic solution that will instantly transform your life. The real value comes from consistently applying the principles and practices taught in the courses.