Why does a bad impression last longer than a good one? Why does losing money affect us more than gaining it? What makes phobias so hard to shake? The answer is the negativity bias - or in other words, the power of bad. As John Tierney and Roy F. Baumeister show, we are wired to react to bad over good. It makes sense in evolutionary terms, but in our modern world the lure of bad is, well, bad. It governs people's moods, drives marketing and dominates our news. It can explain everything from why wars start or couples divorce, to why we mess up job interviews or feud with neighbours. But there is good news. By using smart strategies from new science, we can train our brains to get better at spotting our own negativity bias, fighting back with our rational minds to manage the bad in our lives - and even using its power for positive results. Breaking bad's hold over us can help our own lives, at work and in our relationships. Properly understood, bad can be a good thing.
John Tierney Volgorde van de boeken (chronologisch)
John Marion Tierney is een journalist die bekend staat om zijn bijdragen aan de wetenschapscolumn en de TierneyLab-blog van The New York Times. Zijn werk neemt een contrarian perspectief op wetenschap en maatschappij, waarbij hij breed geaccepteerde ideeën in twijfel trekt. Tierney's columns onderzoeken vaak kritisch maatschappelijke en politieke standpunten, zoals huurprijsstabilisatie of de drugsoorlog. Met zijn onderscheidende aanpak moedigt hij lezers aan om na te denken en informatie kritisch te beoordelen.


Willpower : why self-control is the secret of success
- 294bladzijden
- 11 uur lezen
What's the secret of success: brains, looks, connections? The real answer is willpower. Based on years of psychological research, this book shows how self-control is the most important factor in achieving what you want - and how you can discover the power in willpower. Whether it's ditching your usual to-do list, practicing positive procrastination or never making a decision before lunch, Willpower will teach you how to gain from self-control without pain, and take charge of your life. 'Phenomenally perceptive. Ignore it at your peril.' Stephen J. Dubner, coauthor of Freakonomics 'An instant classic . . . Willpower can help people lead better lives - be better parents, stay organized, and lose weight more wisely . . . a brilliant book.' Daily Beast 'Sinfully delicious - once you start reading, you won't be able to stop.' Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling On Happiness 'Immensely rewarding . . . filled with wise advice and insightful reflections.' Steven Pinker, The New York Times Book Review 'Willpower rather than self-esteem is the essential ingredient for a successful life . . . The good news is that, unlike intelligence, it is a muscle that can be exercised and encouraged to grow.' Sunday Times 'Willpower is back in fashion.' Observer'