Book Review: Change Anything
Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler (2012)
Note: This post contains affiliate links.
What Amazon says:
A stunning new approach to how individuals can not only change their lives for the better in the workplace, but also their lives away from the office, including (but not limited to) finding ways to improve one’s working relationship with others, one’s overall health, outlook on life, and so on.
For example, why is it that 95% of all diet attempts fail? Why do New Year’s Resolutions last no more than a few days? Why can’t people with good intentions seem to make consistent and positive strides in the way they want to improve their careers, financial fitness, physical fitness, and so on?
Based upon the latest research in a number of psychological and medical fields, the authors of CHANGE ANYTHINGwill show that traditional will-power is not necessarily the answer to these strivings, that people are affected in their behaviors by far more subtle influences. CHANGE ANYTHING shows how individuals can come to understand these powerful and influential forces, and how to put these forces to work in a positive manner that brings real and meaningful results.
The authors present an array of everyday examples that will change and truly empower you to reexamine the way you go about your business and life.
What I say:
This is one of the most important books I’ve read (listened to on audiobook, technically) on the topic of behavior change. I consistently draw on the principles laid out in this book regarding what it takes to quite literally, “Change Anything.” I use these tools in teaching teens and adults in recovery so that they are properly equipped for the challenge of adopting new, healthy behaviors in their life.
This book is good at any time of year, but PARTICULARLY relevant in January, as our culture routinely struggles and fails to adopt new behaviors in the new year. There are THREE KEY INGREDIENTS required to change anything, and only ONE of them is us. Relying on will power alone gives you about a 33% chance of success. Why set yourself up for failure again and again? This is a drum I beat on a regular basis because I’ve struggled in my own life and recovery to adopt healthy habits.
This book is PACKED with research that the authors personally conducted, so this isn’t just anecdotal or intuitive. It’s an evidence-based approach to making bad things stop and good things happen. I can’t recommend this book enough.
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