Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (Jan, 2025)

Professor Pozzulo’s Pick (Jan, 2025)

How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman (2021; published by Portfolio)


My take:

Feeling like you need a change? Finding it hard to make a change “stick”. Perhaps you’re using an ineffective strategy or approach. In How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where you Are to Where You Want to Be, Milkman (2021) reviews the science of how to make behaviour change last with several evidence-based strategies to help you reach your goals.

Milkman examines the steps you can take to make changes that can improve health and well-being. Milkman’s expertise in “change behavior” makes this book not only educational by explaining the science behind behavior change but also provides a “how to” to achieve your desired change. Each chapter examines an internal obstacle that stands between you and achieving your goal. By the end of the book, you’ll learn how to recognize the obstacles and what you can do to overcome them.

You will recognize some familiar strategies in How to Change, that were also described in Happier Hour (Holmes, 2022), such as bundling a task you’re not so keen on (going to the gym) with one you look forward to (reading the latest psychological thriller☺). If you combine the two, you might find yourself more likely to do the task you’re not so keen on (going to the gym for me). There are lots of evidence-based strategies described in the book to help you follow through on changes you want to make. Personal favourite: setting a reminder at the actual time that you need to do something. I also think it is worth repeating that mindset matters, how we think about something matters. As Milkman states, “what we think we’re capable of is crucial when it comes to behaviour change.”

The end of chapter takeaway points are very helpful summary notes. I found this book so informative that I am going to read it again! I couldn’t put it down with my first read. A real page-turner for anyone looking to make some changes for improved well-being and health. Definitely worth reading at least once!

Have you changed your approach to making the changes you want? Which techniques resonate with you? Have the changes you tried stuck?

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 16, 2024 at 6:16 PM

    This looks like a great book to help with new year's resolutions.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 17, 2024 at 1:43 PM

    I cannot wait to read this book -sounds very informative and easy access to material.

    ReplyDelete
  3. JoannaDecember 17, 2024 at 1:55 PM

    It really resonated with me and made me think I could succeed! Which turns out to be very important if we want to change a behaviour. Hope you enjoy it! Joanna

    ReplyDelete

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