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

Katy Milkman approaches behavior change as a series of engineering problems rather than a lack of willpower. She identifies specific psychological barriers such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness, offering evidence-based strategies to bypass them. The text introduces the Fresh Start Effect, which explains how chronological landmarks like birthdays or Mondays create windows of heightened motivation. It also details temptation bundling, a technique where the reader pairs an enjoyable activity with a difficult task, and the importance of gamification and social influence in maintaining new routines.

This book is for managers, educators, and individuals who want to replace vague goals with structured systems. Readers learn to diagnose their specific obstacles before choosing a solution, rather than applying a universal habit-forming template. By the end, they possess a toolkit of cognitive hacks for improving physical health and professional output. The audience walks away with a practical understanding of how to use commitment devices and flexible planning to ensure long-term consistency in their daily lives.