Library Journal
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Psychologist Wiseman (The Luck Factor; 59 Seconds) presents an innovative approach to changing behavior, proposing that actions have the power to change the way one thinks and feels. Instead of thinking one's way to stopping smoking, losing weight, etc., and changing behavior, it's more effective to act "as if" one already has overcome that demon or attained a particular goal. He focuses on specific behaviors in the arenas of willpower, relationships, mental health, and more. In a nutshell he advocates, "Forget positive thinking; try positive action." Fun, refreshing, and worth a read. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

The American psychologist William James once said, "If you want a quality, act as if you already have it." Wiseman (59 Seconds), a British psychologist and social media phenomenon, backs up the "act as if" dictum by parsing scientific studies and offering practical tips to help folks become the person they want to be. If you're lacking in confidence, adopt a more powerful pose; if you're feeling down, just smile! Drawing from such well-known trials and tests as the Zimbardo prison study and the Stanislavski acting method, as well as historical and pop culture figures like Frederick Douglass and Joan Baez, Wiseman makes a convincing argument for the power of action (though his assertion that his is a "radically new approach" is less persuasive-James uttered his famous maxim in 1884). Yet he's at his best when he puts down his bag of tricks and turns his attention to the relationship between action and thought, as when he considers the inefficacy of public health information campaigns when compared to the success of legislation in changing behavior. Readers who have enjoyed Wiseman's previous work will likely enjoy this addition to his oeuvre; more skeptical readers might just have to grin and bear it. Illus. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.