59 Seconds by Richard Wiseman

In “59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot,” author and psychologist Richard Wiseman offers readers practical and scientifically-backed advice on how to make positive changes in their lives in just 59 seconds.

The book covers a wide range of topics such as boosting confidence, overcoming procrastination, improving relationships, and increasing happiness. Wiseman draws on his own research and the principles of cognitive psychology and behavioral science to provide readers with a variety of techniques and strategies for making meaningful changes. He emphasizes that small changes can lead to big improvements and encourages readers to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for them. With its easily implementable tips and focus on real-world results, “59 Seconds” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their life.

The Five Big Ideas

  1. “When people can afford the necessities in life, an increase in income does not result in a significantly happier life”.
  2. “To encourage people to do more of something they enjoy, try presenting them with the occasional small surprise reward after they have completed the activity, or praise the fruits of their labour”.
  3. “To increase the likelihood of someone liking you, get them to do you a favour”.
  4. “Fantasizing about your perfect world may make you feel better but is unlikely to help transform your dreams into reality”.
  5. “Some research suggests that eating more slowly helps people eat less, perhaps because it fools our brains into thinking that we’ve eaten more, and allows extra time for the body to digest food”.