How to Change: The Science of Getting to Where You Want to Be by Wharton Professor Katy Milkman is a thought-provoking and practical guide that delves into the science behind behavior change. With a compelling foreword by Angela Duckworth, the bestselling author of Grit, this national bestseller offers a comprehensive roadmap for achieving personal and professional goals by understanding and overcoming the obstacles that impede success.
Overview
Katy Milkman, an award-winning professor at Wharton and host of the Choiceology podcast, brings a wealth of knowledge and research to this book. Her engineering background influences her methodical approach to identifying and solving the problems that hinder progress. Milkman emphasizes that effective change is not about setting ambitious goals or merely fostering good habits but about strategically addressing the specific barriers that stand in the way of success.
Key Themes and Concepts
The book is built around the idea that to achieve meaningful change, one must understand the psychological and behavioral roadblocks that commonly sabotage efforts. Milkman identifies seven key impulses or problems that often derail change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. Rather than suggesting a direct confrontation with these issues, she advocates for a more nuanced approach: harnessing these impulses to drive positive behavior changes.
Some of the standout insights include:
Timing is Crucial: Milkman emphasizes that timing plays a crucial role in the success of behavior change. She explains how starting a new habit at the right time, such as during a significant life transition or a "fresh start" moment, can enhance the likelihood of success.
Turning Temptation into an Asset: Rather than battling against temptations, Milkman suggests ways to use them as motivational tools. For instance, she discusses the concept of "temptation bundling," where you pair an indulgent activity with a beneficial one, like only allowing yourself to watch your favorite show while exercising.
The Power of Giving Advice: One of the more surprising insights in the book is that giving advice to others, even on topics you struggle with yourself, can boost your own motivation and performance. This counterintuitive strategy leverages the psychological benefits of reflection and self-persuasion.
“Game-changing. Katy Milkman shows in this book that we can all be a super human” - Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit
Practical Application, Case Studies and Stories:
The book is filled with engaging stories and case studies that bring the science to life. Milkman's book is rich with original research and case studies that illustrate her points vividly. Each chapter offers practical tools and strategies that readers can implement immediately. For instance, transforming workouts from a dreaded chore into an enjoyable activity can lead to sustained exercise habits. By aligning strategies with personal inclinations and preferences, Milkman provides a realistic and attainable approach to change.
Click here to listen to ‘Choiceology with KATY MILKMAN’, a widely acclaimed Charles Schwab podcast focusing on behavioral economics.
Audience:
How to Change is a valuable resource for a wide audience, including managers, coaches, teachers, and anyone in a position to influence others. However, it is equally beneficial for individuals seeking to initiate change in their own lives. Milkman’s insights are universally applicable, making the book accessible and useful to a broad readership.
Conclusion
In How to Change, Katy Milkman offers a groundbreaking, science-based blueprint for achieving personal and professional goals. Her ability to translate complex behavioral science into practical, actionable advice makes this book a must-read for anyone serious about making lasting changes. Whether you are struggling to form new habits, break old ones, or help others do the same, Milkman’s strategies provide a clear and effective path to success. With its blend of rigorous research, engaging stories, and practical advice, this book is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to transform their life.
The book is available on Amazon and other leading bookstores. The customer rated this book 4.3 out of 5 globally. Click here to buy: https://shorturl.at/Ef0ZD
About the Author:
Katy Milkman is a distinguished behavioral scientist and a professor at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Throughout her illustrious career, she has collaborated with and advised numerous organizations, including Google, the U.S. Department of Defense, the American Red Cross, and Morningstar, on fostering positive change. Her research frequently appears in prominent media outlets like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and NPR. Currently, she co-directs the Behavior Change for Good Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania and hosts Choiceology, a widely acclaimed Charles Schwab podcast focusing on behavioral economics.
“Smart, pioneering and packed with the biggest breakthroughs of our decade.” – Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO of Thrive Global
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