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How to Change

Katy Milkman

272 Pages
2021

How to Change

The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

Random House

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โšก Free 3min Summary

How to Change - Summary

"How to Change" by Katy Milkman is a transformative guide that offers a scientific approach to achieving personal and professional goals. Milkman, an award-winning Wharton professor, combines her engineering background with extensive research in behavior change to provide practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles. The book identifies seven human impulses that often hinder progress and offers innovative ways to harness these impulses to foster positive change. Through engaging case studies and actionable tools, Milkman presents a proven path to help readers move from their current state to their desired future.

Key Ideas

1

Understanding Human Impulses

Milkman identifies seven common human impulses that often sabotage our efforts to change. By understanding these impulses, such as procrastination and impulsivity, readers can develop strategies to counteract them. This insight is crucial for anyone looking to make meaningful changes in their lives.

2

Harnessing Impulses for Positive Change

Instead of fighting against these natural tendencies, Milkman suggests using them to our advantage. For example, turning procrastination into a tool for productivity by setting up structured deadlines. This approach makes the process of change more manageable and less daunting.

3

Practical Tools and Case Studies

The book is filled with practical tools and real-life case studies that illustrate how these strategies can be applied. These examples make the concepts more relatable and provide a clear roadmap for readers to follow, ensuring that the advice is not just theoretical but actionable.

FAQ's

Katy Milkman identifies seven common human impulses that often hinder progress, such as procrastination and impulsivity. Understanding these impulses is crucial for developing strategies to counteract them and make meaningful changes.

"How to Change" suggests turning procrastination into a tool for productivity by setting up structured deadlines. This approach helps make the process of change more manageable and less daunting, allowing readers to harness their natural tendencies for positive outcomes.

"How to Change" is filled with practical tools and real-life case studies that illustrate how the strategies can be applied. These examples make the concepts more relatable and provide a clear roadmap for readers to follow, ensuring that the advice is actionable and not just theoretical.

๐Ÿ’ก Full 15min Summary

Unlock lasting change by identifying your unique barriers and harnessing the power of fresh starts to take that crucial first step.
0:00 / 2:05

Understanding how to effectively initiate positive changes in your life can be a daunting task, especially with a plethora of advice that often seems generalized and insufficient. The crux of the matter is that many methods of change assume a one-size-fits-all solution. In reality, to achieve meaningful and lasting transformation, it's crucial to identify your specific obstacles and tailor your strategy accordingly.

A common hurdle that many people face is simply taking that first step. This challenge can stem from past failures or a general lack of confidence in your ability to succeed. But here's an uplifting thought: the concept of a "fresh start" can be a powerful tool in overcoming this initial inertia. Research has shown that moments like the New Year, a birthday, or even a move to a new location can offer you what's known as the fresh start effect. This acts like an emotional reset button, distancing you from past setbacks and filling you with newfound optimism and motivation. However, it's essential to remember that fresh starts can be a double-edged sword; they have the potential to disrupt positive momentum if you're already making strides in the right direction.

As you consider making changes, it's also worth noting that the timing can significantly impact your willingness to act. Aligning your decision to change with a fresh start can dramatically increase your openness to taking that crucial first step. So whether it's a calendar milestone, a significant life event, or a performance reset at work, these fresh starts can serve as optimal moments to commit to change.

In summary, achieving a lasting transformation is a nuanced process that requires a custom-tailored approach, one that identifies and overcomes your unique barriers. But with the help of the fresh start effect and mindful timing, you have research-backed techniques at your disposal to not only initiate but also sustain meaningful changes in your life.

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