cover image Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success

Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success

Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzer, Grand Central/Business Plus, $26.99 (288p) ISBN 978-0-446-57391-7

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. (Apr.)