Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- Why is it impossible to avoid changes
- The power of delayed gratification
- How to fight procrastination
- The role of healthy peers in boosting your confidence
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Change is inevitable, but we can be intentional about it
It is a standard narrative with many people that a fault others have pointed out about them is who they are, then the common quip follows: “Take it or leave it.” People in this category do not realize that humans are behaviorally malleable — we can make adjustments to our person if we put our heart to it.Andre Agassi, U.S. Open winner, is an excellent example of this behavioral dynamism. His dad was an Olympic athlete, so he went into sport quite early. In 1986, Agassi went pro in his tennis career at the meager age of 16. With his natural talents and skills in the sport, many pundits tipped him for being ranked in the top tier of tennis as his career unfolded. However, Agassi failed to live up to expectations. Despite his skills, he was crashing out of competitions in the early rounds, and by 1994, Agassi’s world ranking had dropped from seventh to 31st.Luckily for Agassi, he was introduced to a senior pro — Brad Gilbert — who assisted in revolutionizing his style and approach to the game. Under Gilbert’s tutelage, Agassi, an underdog, went on to win the 1994 U.S. Open trophy after an essentially sloppy career. He yielded to change and made something better of himself and his career. Agassi’s story may sound smooth and sweet; however, personal experience would have made you realize something different: change is difficult.
Irrespective of the potential incentives that may accrue to changes in character, habits, career, etc., adjusting the status quo is often a hard trick to pull off.
Interestingly, in the past two decades, due to the popularity of behavioral science, several books, talks, and seminars have one thing or the other to say about a thousand things to do in a bid to change. But unfortunately, many of these resources have merely increased the information base of their subscribers but achieved little success in spurring action.If you find yourself in that niche of people who find it hard to effect necessary changes, you will be in the right by going through this piece. Make sure to follow through until the end, as you don’t want to miss any action-spurring insights.
second KEY POINT
You are more likely to stick to a new habit or resolution after a monumental transition or fresh start
A young graduate student, who happens to be a skilled and hard-working concert violinist, was having it tough in her relationship with her boyfriend of 14 months. She had tried all the tactics in the book to make the relationship work, but the bloke seemed unyielding in making amends. This lady found it challenging to break the relationship for inexplicable reasons. However, during the last new year celebration, she summoned the courage and ended the toxic relationship. Our violinist’s experience is an excellent example of the fresh start effect.Whoever would reap the fruits of change must have done the due diligence in taking the first steps. However, there is such a thing as the wrong time to start a good course or project. So when is the right time to initiate a personal — or organizational — behavioral change campaign?When Brad Gilbert became Agassi’s tennis coach in 1994, there was a radical overhaul in his playing style and approach to the game. Hence, this was like a clean slate and a fresh start to the youngster’s tennis career. However, not everyone has the willpower to make those necessary changes, much less know when and how to start one — recruiting Gilbert just before the 1994 U.S. Open tournament was Agassi’s trigger for a fresh start.
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first KEY POINT
You can master the problematic habit of delayed gratification
second KEY POINT
Procrastination is another ditch in the pathway toward change
third KEY POINT
There are no limits to your achievements if you silence the voices of laziness and self-doubt in your subconscious
fourth KEY POINT
Build a healthy list of peers and mentors, and consistently forge on in your journey of change
fifth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be about?
The book, authored by the renowned psychologist Katy Milkman, explores the psychological principles behind personal transformation and effective change. It provides practical strategies grounded in behavioral science, empowering readers to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
What are the key takeaways from How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be?
Key takeaways include understanding the importance of timing, leveraging fresh starts, and utilizing commitment devices to foster lasting change. Milkman emphasizes practical tools to help you identify and execute successful behavior modifications in your life.
Is How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be worth reading?
Yes, this book is worth reading for anyone interested in self-improvement and behavioral psychology. Milkman's insights are backed by research, making the content both informative and applicable, ideal for those eager to implement effective change strategies.
How many pages is How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be and when was it published?
How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be is approximately 368 pages long and was published on April 26, 2022. This concise guide offers engaging content that is easy to digest.
What strategies does How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be suggest for making lasting changes?
The book suggests various strategies like embracing 'fresh starts,' setting specific goals, and creating accountability through social commitments. These approaches, grounded in behavioral science, can significantly enhance your ability to make and sustain meaningful lifestyle changes.