59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot

by Richard Wiseman Narrated by Jonathan Cowley

Overview

A psychologist and best-selling author gives us a myth-busting response to the self-help movement, with tips and tricks to improve your life that come straight from the scientific community.

Richard Wiseman has been troubled by the realization that the self-help industry often promotes exercises that destroy motivation, damage relationships, and reduce creativity: the opposite of everything it promises. Now, in 59 Seconds, he fights back, bringing together the diverse scientific advice that can help you change your life in under a minute, and guides you toward becoming more decisive, more imaginative, more engaged, and altogether more happy.

From mood to memory, persuasion to procrastination, resilience to relationships, Wiseman outlines the research supporting the new science of “rapid change” and, with clarity and infectious enthusiasm, describes how these quirky, sometimes counterintuitive techniques can be effortlessly incorporated into your everyday life. Or, as he likes to say: “Think a little, change a lot.”

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

Psychologist and best-selling author Wiseman (Quirkology) draws on scientific research to help people achieve their dreams and ambitions in a matter of minutes rather than months. Contrary to popular thinking, he says, playing hard to get, visualizing the ideal plan, and offering rewards for achievement don't work. Instead, the author suggests bonding over dislikes, imagining the achievement of a goal, and praising effort over the finished product. Although some of Wiseman's findings would definitely improve one's life if adopted, others seem far-fetched. Wait for the paperback. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/09.]

From the Publisher

"This is a self-help book, but with a difference: almost everything in it is underpinned by peer-reviewed and often fascinating research."
 — New Scientist

"For all those who are tired of the usual self-help formula--homespun anecdotes, upbeat platitudes, over-the-top promises--Richard Wiseman's 59 Seconds is just what the PhD ordered."
 — The Wall Street Journal

"Seemingly perfect for this age of short attention spans and instant gratification."
 — The Chronicle Herald

"At last, a self-help guide that is based on proper research. Perfect for busy, curious, smart people."
 — Simon Singh, author of Fermat's Enigma

“Wiseman is a brilliant name for a psychologist, and this book proves the professor is not misnamed. . . . [59 Seconds] contains dozens of fascinating and useful nuggets, and they all have science on their side.”
 — The Independent

From the Trade Paperback edition.

JUNE 2010 - AudioFile

An English psychologist uses scientific findings to explain, and often upend, conventional wisdom on how people change, relate to others, and manage their lives. After presenting summaries of research findings in each area he covers, he offers his “59-second recommendations,” which cover best practices in goal setting, productivity, anger management, marital satisfaction, decision making, persuasion, and buying behavior. The production provides intellectual guidance rather than motivational juice, so it will require something from the listener to become a transformational experience. With his splendid consistency and charming vocal elegance, Jonathan Cowley makes it all sound fascinating. His casual intensity both lightens and respects the academic foundation of this material. T.W. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169088441
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	12/29/2009
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

The 59 Seconds quiz
Do you know the best way of making yourself happy, motivating your children or boosting your creativity? To help find out, simply answer 'yes' or 'no' to the following seven questions……

1) Suppressing negative thoughts is good for you.
Yes - No
2) Visualizing your perfect future helps you achieve your goals.
Yes - No
3) Group brainstorming is the best way of generating new ideas.
Yes - No
4) Punching a pillow helps you alleviate anger and frustration.
Yes- No
5) Praising a child's achievements is good for their self-esteem and future success.
Yes- No
6) People tend to shift around nervously when they lie.
Yes - No
7) Playing music by Mozart to a baby boosts their intelligence.
Yes - No

How many times did you choose 'yes'? Most people believe that all of the ideas in the quiz are true. In reality, there is no convincing scientific evidence to support any of them. According to research, punching a pillow is likely to make you more angry not less, trying to suppress negative thoughts will increase the likelihood of them popping into your mind, and, if anything, liars tend to be more static than truth tellers.

59 Seconds is all about the science behind self-help. It exposes these types of mind myths as well as revealing fast acting tips and techniques that really do make a difference to people's lives.

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