Book: How to Change by Katy Milkman

How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman

In How to Change, Katy Milkman delves into the science of behavior change, offering evidence-based strategies to overcome common obstacles such as procrastination, impulsivity, and forgetfulness. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring approaches to individual challenges, highlighting techniques like “temptation bundling”—pairing a desired activity with a less enjoyable one to enhance motivation. Through engaging narratives and research insights, Milkman provides practical tools to facilitate lasting personal and professional transformation.

Katy Milkman is the James G. Dinan Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in operations, information, and decisions. She earned her undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Princeton University in Operations Research and American Studies, followed by a PhD from Harvard University in Computer Science and Business. A former president of the Society for Judgment and Decision Making, Milkman has published extensively in leading academic journals and her work has been featured in major media outlets. She also hosts the behavioral economics podcast “Choiceology” and co-directs the Behavior Change for Good Initiative.

For workplace learning professionals, How to Change offers tangible takeaways into designing interventions that effectively address behavioral barriers to learning and performance. By understanding the psychological factors that impede change, trainers and instructional designers can develop customized strategies to enhance employee development programs, leading to improved engagement and sustained behavioral improvements.