Change Anything

It's a mistake to blame lack of willpower when we fail repeatedly to change bad habits, addictions, or prickly interpersonal patterns, say these behavioral scientists who run a training center. We can make the changes we desire, they say, when we understand the trigger effects of vital behaviors and crucial moments, and engineer into our lives six types of influence such as consistent self-honesty, supportive friends, and rewarding structures. With a refreshing narrative performance, one of the authors gives this cutting-edge guidance enormous energy and appeal. He's a naturally positive speaker, in love with these ideas and selflessly devoted to helping his listeners. This is well-crafted advice that is empowering to hear. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

January 10, 2011
A strategic, step-by-step guide to breaking longstanding bad habits from the authors of Crucial Conversations draws on research coming out of their Change Anything Labs, where they study and work with people struggling with self-destructive patterns. The authors introduce a system for adopting—and sticking to—better behaviors in this smart, sensible work. Targeting the main problem areas—weight, addictions, spending, career advancement, and relationships—the authors exhort readers to avoid blaming their inability on willpower ("the willpower trap") in favor of recognizing powerful influences that can counteract temptation: e.g., offering ourselves financial incentives or radically changing our physical spaces to see that we stick with healthier habits. The authors present a highly detailed holistic plan, illustrated by encouraging case studies, for making systemic changes that approach problems from every angle and promote active change.

January 1, 2011

From the Change Anything Labs at the base of Utah's Wasatch Mountains comes an extremely practical toolkit from the authors of Influencer and Crucial Conversations. The good news (and this book is all positive) is that you can get out of debt, beat addictions, lose weight, build healthy relationships, and become more successful in your career if you understand what the authors call the "six sources of influence that affect daily decisions." The authors claim that the concept of willpower is incomplete and only a very small part of overcoming obstacles. They relay six practices to use, including making the right choices pleasurable, finding accomplices in change, and bribing oneself to change. They offer awareness and positive steps to all who seek change in their lives.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.