For our latest newsletter I’ve written a review of Willpower, the new book from NY Times science columnist John Tierney and FSU psychologist Roy Baumeister. It’s the best book I’ve read in a while and I encourage you to buy it and then share your reactions below.
If you want to read another review the book, check out Steven Pinker’s review in the NY Times. Pinker’s a tough critic, but he describes it as an “immensely rewarding book, filled with ingenious research, wise advice and insightful reflections on the human condition.”
John, another great review! Thank you.
This book compliments Rapt really well. I’ll be sure to read this.
Coincidentally, I just finished Flow: The Psychology of Optimal experience. I highly recommend it because while Rapt and Willpower address the quantity of attention, Flow address the quality of attention – or what do with your attention once you’ve gained control of it (through routines and other Willpower tactics for example).
Flow is teaching me how to choose, manage and redefine even ordinary experience to create flow states where I would otherwise experience drudgery. It’s a challenging book.
Thanks Hatef. I think you’ll really enjoy Willpower. And thanks for bringing up Flow. I read it years ago and it’s still one of my favorite books / concepts. It changed the way I think about a lot of things, especially TV. And I found his chapter on work really helpful. I should go back and read the whole book again – there’s so much good stuff in there – so thanks for the reminder.