Changeology

Starred review from October 29, 2012
Change isn't easy but if there's anyone out there who can convert skeptics to believers, it's Norcross. With his steady, avuncular approach, Norcross (Changing for Good), a professor of psychology at the University of Scranton, insists that, whether readers want to weigh less or spend less time in the office, his system will workâand for most people, without professional helpâbecause it is science-based. Norcross breaks down the process into five steps (Psych, Prepare, Perspire, Persevere, Persist) that can be accomplished in ninety days. Some of his recommendations are common ones: write out your goals and make them public. Ongoing encouragement, along with quizzes and checklists, are what make his approach so compelling. Norcross is a teacher who first spells out what he's going to teachâ"I'll teach you about the lapse process and how to persevere"âand then delivers, providing "ten proven ways to resist the urge to abandon your goal." If there's a fault, it's that Norcross might be a bit too cerebral. To the average smoker who just wants to kick the habit, for instance, the concept of self-efficacy might be irrelevant or out of grasp. Readers should persevere, however; the book is worth it. Agent: Bonnie Solow, Solow Literary.