Book: Good Habits, Bad Habits by Wendy Wood

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Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick by Wendy Wood

In Good Habits, Bad Habits, Wendy Wood delves into the psychology of habit formation and change, revealing that approximately 43% of our daily actions are driven by habits rather than conscious decisions. Drawing from three decades of research, Wood explains how habits are formed through context, repetition, and rewards, and how they can be reshaped by altering these elements. She emphasizes that willpower alone is often insufficient for lasting change; instead, understanding and leveraging the mechanisms of habit can lead to more effective personal and professional transformations.

Wendy Wood is the Provost Professor Emerita of Psychology and Business at the University of Southern California. Her extensive research on habits and behavior change has been published in leading academic journals and featured in major media outlets. Wood has served as President of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology and the Association for Psychological Science, and her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including a 2007 Radcliffe Institute Fellowship and the 2022 Career Contribution Award from SPSP.

For workplace learning professionals, Good Habits, Bad Habits offers valuable insights into the automatic behaviors that influence employee performance and organizational culture. By understanding the science behind habit formation, trainers and instructional designers can develop interventions that promote positive habits and mitigate negative ones, leading to sustained behavior change and improved outcomes in professional settings.

Book: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg, PhD

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Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg, PhD

In Tiny Habits, BJ Fogg, PhD presents a transformative approach to behavior change, emphasizing that small, manageable adjustments can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Drawing from his extensive research at Stanford University’s Behavior Design Lab, Fogg introduces the Fogg Behavior Model, which posits that behavior is a product of motivation, ability, and prompts. He advocates for designing tiny habits that fit seamlessly into existing routines, thereby reducing reliance on willpower and fostering sustainable change. Through practical examples and meaningful conclusions, Fogg demonstrates how focusing on minimal adjustments can yield substantial results in productivity, health, and overall well-being.

BJ Fogg, PhD, is a renowned behavior scientist and the founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University. With over two decades of research in human behavior, he has developed models and methods that have been widely adopted in both academic and industry settings. Fogg’s expertise in behavior design has led him to work with numerous organizations, helping them create products and services that facilitate positive behavior change. His contributions to the field have been recognized globally, and his work continues to influence the domains of psychology, design, and personal development.

For workplace learning professionals, Tiny Habits offers a practical framework for facilitating behavior change among employees. By implementing Fogg’s strategies, trainers and instructional designers can develop programs that encourage the adoption of beneficial habits through small, incremental steps. This approach minimizes resistance and enhances the likelihood of sustained behavior change, leading to improved performance and engagement within organizations.

Book: Subtract by Leidy Klotz

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Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less by Leidy Klotz

In Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, Leidy Klotz explores the human tendency to solve problems by adding elements rather than removing them. He reveals that this inclination often leads to overcomplication and inefficiency. Through a blend of behavioral science and design principles, Klotz demonstrates how embracing subtraction can lead to more effective solutions in various contexts, from personal decision-making to organizational strategy. The book provides practical insights into recognizing opportunities to subtract, ultimately advocating for a mindset shift towards simplicity and clarity.

Leidy Klotz is a professor at the University of Virginia, with appointments in Engineering, Architecture, and Business. His research focuses on the science of design and problem-solving, particularly the cognitive biases that lead individuals and organizations to overlook subtractive solutions. Klotz has published articles in prestigious journals such as Nature and Science, and his work has been featured in major media outlets including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. Before his academic career, he played professional soccer and managed the design and construction of large engineering projects.

For workplace learning professionals, Subtract offers valuable perspectives on streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary complexities in training programs. By applying Klotz’s principles, instructional designers and trainers can create more efficient and effective learning experiences, focusing on essential elements that drive performance and engagement. Embracing subtraction can lead to clearer communication, reduced cognitive overload for learners, and more impactful educational interventions.

Book: How to Change by Katy Milkman

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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.

Book: Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

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Nudge: The Final Edition by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein

In Nudge: The Final Edition, Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein expand upon their groundbreaking work in behavioral economics, exploring how subtle changes in choice architecture can significantly influence decision-making. This updated edition addresses contemporary issues such as COVID-19, personal finance, climate change, and the concept of “sludge”—unnecessary frictions that hinder beneficial choices. The authors advocate for “libertarian paternalism,” suggesting that well-designed nudges can guide individuals toward better decisions without restricting freedom of choice. Through a blend of research and practical examples, they demonstrate how thoughtful design can improve outcomes in various aspects of life.

Richard H. Thaler is a Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences and a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His pioneering work in behavioral economics has reshaped understanding of human decision-making. Cass R. Sunstein is a distinguished legal scholar and professor at Harvard Law School, known for his contributions to behavioral economics and public policy. Together, they have significantly influenced both academic thought and practical applications in policy and business.

For workplace learning professionals, Nudge: The Final Edition offers valuable insights into designing environments that facilitate better decision-making among employees. By understanding and applying principles of choice architecture, trainers and organizational leaders can create systems that encourage desirable behaviors, enhance productivity, and improve overall organizational effectiveness.

Book: Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer, MD, PhD

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Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind by Judson Brewer, MD, PhD

In Unwinding Anxiety, Judson Brewer, MD, PhD explores the intricate relationship between anxiety and habit formation, presenting a novel approach to breaking the cycles that perpetuate worry and fear. Drawing from decades of research in neuroscience and clinical practice, Brewer reveals how anxiety manifests as habit loops in the brain, leading to behaviors such as stress eating, procrastination, and excessive social media use. He introduces mindfulness and curiosity as powerful tools to disrupt these loops, offering practical strategies to retrain the mind and promote mental well-being. Through accessible explanations and real-life examples, Brewer empowers readers to understand and manage their anxiety by addressing its root causes.

Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, is an internationally recognized psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and expert in mindfulness training for addiction and anxiety. He serves as the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and as an associate professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Brewer has developed and tested novel mindfulness programs for habit change, including app-based treatments for smoking cessation, emotional eating, and anxiety. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and his 2016 TED Talk, “A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit,” has garnered widespread acclaim.

For workplace learning professionals, Unwinding Anxiety offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of anxiety and its impact on behavior. Understanding these principles can inform the development of training programs that address stress management and promote mental resilience among employees. By incorporating mindfulness techniques and fostering curiosity, trainers can help individuals break free from unproductive habits, enhance focus, and improve overall performance in professional settings.

Book: Chatter by Ethan Kross

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Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross

In Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It, Ethan Kross delves into the pervasive influence of our inner voice on our emotions, health, and relationships. He explores how internal dialogues can lead to “chatter”—negative thought loops that undermine performance and well-being. Drawing from cutting-edge research and compelling stories, Kross provides practical tools to transform this inner chatter into a powerful asset, enhancing decision-making and personal growth.

Ethan Kross is a renowned experimental psychologist and neuroscientist specializing in emotion regulation. He serves as a professor of psychology and management at the University of Michigan, where he directs the Emotion & Self Control Laboratory. Kross has been featured in major media outlets and has participated in policy discussions at the White House, underscoring his expertise in the field.

For workplace learning professionals, Chatter offers valuable insights into managing internal dialogues that can impact learning and performance. By understanding the mechanisms of self-talk, trainers and instructional designers can develop strategies to help individuals harness their inner voice, leading to improved focus, resilience, and productivity in professional settings.

Book: Mixed Signals by Uri Gneezy

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Mixed Signals: How Incentives Really Work by Uri Gneezy

In Mixed Signals: How Incentives Really Work, Uri Gneezy delves into the complex world of incentives, illustrating how the signals they send can profoundly influence behavior. He emphasizes that while incentives are designed to motivate, they often produce unintended consequences when misaligned with underlying signals. Through engaging narratives and empirical research, Gneezy explores various scenarios—from workplace settings to personal interactions—demonstrating how well-intentioned incentives can backfire if not thoughtfully designed. The book offers practical guidance on crafting effective incentives by ensuring that the signals they emit align with desired outcomes, ultimately leading to better results in our personal and professional lives.

Uri Gneezy is a renowned behavioral economist and the Epstein/Atkinson Chair in Behavioral Economics at the Rady School of Management, University of California, San Diego. He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the Center for Economic Research at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Gneezy’s research focuses on understanding how incentives influence behavior, utilizing both laboratory and field experiments to uncover insights into human decision-making. His work has been widely published in leading academic journals and featured in major media outlets. In addition to Mixed Signals, he co-authored The Why Axis: Hidden Motives and the Undiscovered Economics of Everyday Life, further establishing his expertise in the field.

For workplace learning professionals, Mixed Signals offers valuable insights into designing incentives that effectively drive desired behaviors without unintended drawbacks. Understanding the nuanced relationship between incentives and the signals they send can aid in creating training programs and organizational policies that promote motivation, enhance performance, and foster a positive organizational culture. Gneezy’s evidence-based approach provides practical strategies to align incentives with organizational goals, ensuring that the actions encouraged are those that truly benefit both individuals and the organization as a whole.

Book: Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke

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Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Dr. Anna Lembke

In Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, Dr. Anna Lembke explores the intricate relationship between pleasure and pain in the human brain, particularly in the context of modern society’s overabundance of stimuli. She delves into how the neurotransmitter dopamine drives our pursuit of pleasure and how this pursuit can lead to addictive behaviors, not only with substances but also with activities like social media, shopping, and gaming. Through a combination of scientific research and real-life case studies, Lembke illustrates the challenges of maintaining balance in an age where instant gratification is readily accessible. She offers insights into how individuals can recalibrate their brains to find contentment and avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence.

Dr. Anna Lembke is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and serves as the Chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. She earned her undergraduate degree in Humanities from Yale University and her medical degree from Stanford University. A recognized expert in addiction medicine, Dr. Lembke has published extensively on the opioid epidemic and has been featured in various media outlets, including the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma, where she discusses the addictive nature of social media. Her previous book, Drug Dealer, MD, examines the role of healthcare providers in the opioid crisis.

For workplace learning professionals, Dopamine Nation offers valuable insights into the neuroscience of addiction and the impact of constant stimuli on attention and productivity. Understanding these mechanisms can inform the development of training programs that promote healthy work habits, encourage focus, and address the challenges of digital distractions. By applying Lembke’s findings, professionals can design interventions that help employees manage their dopamine-driven behaviors, leading to improved well-being and performance in the workplace.

Book: Ultralearning by Scott H. Young

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Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career by Scott H. Young

In Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, Scott H. Young presents a compelling framework for mastering complex skills through aggressive, self-directed learning. He introduces the concept of “ultralearning,” emphasizing strategies such as focused practice, deep understanding, and efficient knowledge acquisition. Drawing from cognitive science research and real-world examples, Young illustrates how individuals can take control of their learning journeys to achieve remarkable results in both personal and professional domains.

Scott H. Young is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer, and avid reader. Since 2006, he has published weekly essays on his website, focusing on effective learning strategies and personal development. Young gained recognition for his “MIT Challenge,” where he successfully completed the four-year MIT computer science curriculum in one year without formal enrollment. His work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, and Business Insider, establishing him as a thought leader in the field of rapid skill acquisition and self-improvement.

For workplace learning professionals, Ultralearning offers useful strategies into designing training programs that encourage self-directed and efficient learning. Young’s emphasis on focused practice and deep understanding aligns with best practices in instructional design, providing strategies to help employees quickly master new skills and adapt to evolving industry demands. By incorporating ultralearning principles, organizations can foster a culture of continuous improvement and agility, essential for maintaining a competitive edge.