Influential Mind: What the Brain Reveals About Our Power to Change Others

The new book from TED speaker and author of The Optimism Bias, Tali Sharot, The Influential Mind challenges the wisdom of the crowd.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2018
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Selected as a best book of 2017 by Forbes, The Times, Huffington Post, Bloomberg, Greater Good Magazine, Stanford Business School, and more, "The Power of Habit" is a timely and intriguing read. Written by Adam Grant, the New York Times bestselling author of "Originals" and "Give and Take," this profound book has the potential to change lives. An instant classic, Cass R. Sunstein, bestselling co-author of "Nudge," praises it as a "profound book that will change your life."

As humans, we are constantly engaged in the task of influencing others, whether it be through teaching our children, guiding our patients, advising our clients, helping our friends, or informing our online followers. We do this because we each possess unique experiences and knowledge that others may not. However, the question arises: how effective are we in this role? It turns out that we often resort to suboptimal habits when attempting to change other people's beliefs and behaviors. Many of these instincts, such as trying to scare people into action, insisting that the other is wrong, or exerting control, are ineffective because they are incompatible with how the mind operates.

In "The Power of Habit," Grant explores the mechanisms behind these habits and offers practical strategies for breaking them. He explains that habits are not just a result of our willpower but are shaped by the environment around us. By recognizing the triggers that lead to our habitual behaviors, we can develop new routines that are more conducive to our goals. For example, if we want to quit smoking, we can identify the situations or emotions that trigger our desire to smoke and replace them with healthier alternatives.

Grant also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, which is the belief that our abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. He challenges the notion that we are fixed entities and shows how we can learn and adapt throughout our lives. By adopting a growth mindset, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals more effectively.

One of the most powerful aspects of "The Power of Habit" is its ability to make complex concepts accessible and relatable. Grant uses anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate his points, making the book engaging and easy to read. He also provides practical tips and exercises that readers can use to apply the principles outlined in the book to their own lives.

In conclusion, "The Power of Habit" is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their life. By understanding the mechanisms behind habits and developing strategies for breaking them, we can cultivate new routines that are more conducive to our goals and achieve greater success and fulfillment. Whether you are looking to improve your health, relationships, or career, this book offers valuable insights and practical tools that can help you achieve your aspirations.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 179 x 150 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349140636