This is billed as an antidote to self help books and it's basically full of self help type techniques that have actual scientific research to back them up. I've never really read a self help book as I suspect them to be full of a load of made up nonsense and/or to point things out that are basic common sense. This either makes me a bad audience for this book, or maybe a good one, I can't decide. It's possibly aimed at both people who don't read self help books and those who read too much of them; cunning marketing idea anyway.

I didn't find it hugely enlightening but I was pleased to find that some of the techniques I've uncovered on my own over the years actually work, and some of the things I've suspected are baloney - actually are. Interesting and quick read, I don't remember having any big disagreements with the author while reading.

59 seconds revolves around the idea of finding things that help you improve in various areas of life, that can be explained in under a minute.

What I liked about the book is Richard Wiseman's approach. If you're looking for something from the self-help section, but you're a bit on the sceptical side, this could be a book for you. In 59 seconds, Wiseman looks at many of the traditional topics that are covered in most self-help "how to improve your life" type books (with an enormous variety in quality), but rather than serving up complete bullshit (like The Secret), he looks to published research and studies for information, especially from the field of psychology.

The chapters in 59 seconds have sections the called "in 59 seconds", where Wiseman gives a quick summery of what's been covered, with a how-to focus, enabling the reader to start using the findings and techniques right away.

I found 59 seconds to be a bit like Malcolm Gladwell's work (and Gladwell is mentioned, as well as there are overlaps in Wiseman's and Gladwell's work, especially if you've read Blink), though not as focused.

All in all 59 seconds is a 3 out 5 stars, but I give it a fourth star because of the more scientific approach to a field otherwise filled with too many "I wanna be a life coach, and wrote a book about you're guaranteed to change your life in the blink of an eye" books.

"We all get used to what we have very quickly. Buying a new car or bigger house provides a short-term feel-good boost, but we quickly become accustomed to it and sink back to our pre-purchase level of joy. Thanks to our capacity to adapt to ever greater fame and fortune, yesterday's luxuries can soon become today's Necessities and tomorrow's relics. If money cannot buy happiness, what is the best way of putting a long-term smile on your face?"

Consist of 10 chapters, my favourite point would be the first one which is Happiness : Why positive thinking often fails, how the real route to happiness involves a pencil, keeping the perfect diary, small acts of kindness and developing the gratitude attitude.

In this particular chapter, I like to quote a passage that is very relatable to me : "Happiness makes people more sociable and altruistic, it increases how much they like themselves and others, it improves their ability to resolve conflict and it strengthens their immune systems".

Right after reading the first chapter, I've made the point into my youtube content (Biblio Mom) about the act of hoarding books. In that video, I mentioned that our happiness is fabricated by consuming things and it is temporary. That feeling always ended up being washed away.

Its a good read for personal and general growth. According to the title, "Think a little, change a lot", it tells us to get things done rather than just thinking about them all the time. Because actions should speaks louder than words and thoughts.

As Malay's saying "Angan-angan Mat Jenin" that mean someoe that has dreams but only live in his dreams without even trying to achieve them.

So pick up an insightfull books, read them, and ACT!

Love:
- short, useful, achievable pieces of advice
- comprehensive referencing

Not so good:
- interesting but basically irrelevant anecdotes
- doesn't link together as a cohesive book

What a fascinating book. It debunks a lot of "truths" that I read about throughout the years.

He really digs into the research behind how people think and how to achieve goals. Lots of reader activities with descriptions, suggestions and analysis from similar research projects done at the academic level. Plowed through this book pretty quickly and took copious notes. Academic research written in a way pretty much any one can understand.

Really interesting to see a self-help book backed by a great deal of research...for once.

Half the book is spent referencing people who conducted studies and noting where those studies took place. Also, this is written in a way that presents common beliefs and then attempts to shock you by revealing that the truth is in fact the opposite of those beliefs.

I find it ironic that a book called 59 Seconds is such a slow and tedious read.

Изключително интересна книга, към която със сигурност ще се върна отново.