Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al.

Summary

Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success offers a practical framework for making lasting personal change, drawing on cutting-edge behavioral science. The authors guide readers to identify crucial influences that drive their behaviors and to engineer their environments and routines for better outcomes. By leveraging specific techniques, individuals can overcome common obstacles and transform ineffective habits into productive patterns. This book provides actionable steps for achieving success whether in health, finances, relationships, or career. It emphasizes that anyone can change, not by relying on willpower alone, but by systematically adjusting personal and social influences.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Lasting change requires more than just willpower; it needs a strategic approach that addresses multiple sources of influence.

2. Personal environments and routines play a huge role in driving behavior—by redesigning these, you can facilitate easier change.

3. Tracking and celebrating small wins is essential for motivation and ensures consistent progress towards bigger goals.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2011

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 88

Practical Examples

1. Redesigning your physical environment

   To curb unhealthy eating habits, one example from the book suggests removing junk food from your home and stocking the fridge with healthy snacks. If you want to eat more fruits and vegetables, keep them pre-cut and visible. The changes in your immediate environment reduce day-to-day temptations and cue positive behaviors.

2. Using social support systems

   Building a network of supportive people is highlighted as critical for change. The book describes how enlisting friends, coworkers, or family members to hold you accountable can boost your success rate. For example, joining a running club can increase motivation to exercise regularly.

3. Tracking progress with a visible chart

   One practical tip is to maintain a highly visible chart that tracks your daily adherence to a new habit, such as saving money or not smoking. Every check mark or star acts as positive reinforcement and helps you notice patterns that affect your progress. This visual feedback loop keeps motivation high and identifies when you might need to adjust strategies.

4. Turning setbacks into learning moments

   The book encourages analyzing setbacks rather than viewing them as failures. For example, if you break your diet, you are prompted to reflect on what triggered the lapse—stress, location, company—and adjust your strategies for next time. This approach keeps momentum by treating mistakes as valuable data, not demotivating defeats.

5. Creating default choices

   The authors suggest making healthy or productive choices the automatic or 'default' option. For example, setting up automatic transfers to a savings account means you're saving without having to make a decision each month. Structuring your context so the easy choice is the helpful one removes reliance on willpower.

6. Rewarding positive behavior immediately

   A practical example is to treat yourself to something enjoyable, like a favorite podcast episode or a coffee, as a reward for every gym visit. Immediate rewards help strengthen the new behavior and make it more appealing in the early stages of habit formation.

7. Leveraging professional help

   The book illustrates how expert resources—like trainers, coaches, or financial advisors—can be critical allies in change. By turning to professionals for targeted advice or accountability, individuals are better equipped to navigate challenging aspects of transformation, such as technical knowledge or emotional barriers.

8. Planning for vulnerable moments

   Change Anything emphasizes identifying 'crucial moments' when you are most likely to backslide. For example, if you tend to overeat at parties, planning coping strategies ahead of time, like eating before you go or bringing a healthy dish, can help you stay on track.