0 Think A Little Change A Lot 59 Seconds

Richard Wiseman's new book 59 Seconds is a wee cracker! Like his blog, previous books and even his iPod apps this book is an easy and enjoyable experience - the kind that you can dip in and out of, picking up interesting tips along the way. For each topic, Wiseman discusses a number of research experiments and then gives a number of concrete suggestions on how you can quickly implement these findings.

The book is based on the premise that quick techniques can sometimes be surprisingly effective at helping us to change and explains (based on research studies) which ones work and which don't. As such is challenges some of the key themes of "classic" self help books and gurus. Some examples that I found interesting were:

- the Yale "writing values down" experiment never happened;

- a simple five day writing exercise that can lift your mood for several weeks (essentially a more structured diary);

- spending money on experiences is a far more effective way to make yourself happy than spending it on things;

- how punching a pillow to relieve anger actually increases your anger, while sitting quietly and thinking about how you benefited (or at least learned) from the experience has the opposite effect;

- conversational techniques that can build instant rapport on a first date (the trick is to use topics that create intimacy) ;

- exercises to stimulate the unconscious mind that lead to better decision making.

Put very simply this is a serious attempt to help us to use applied psychology in our everyday lives, and as such I recommend it and promise to throw in my pet frog as well.

Reference: womanizer-psychology.blogspot.com