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Ordinary Magic

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What to expect

'By one of the great psychologists of our time, a book that shows us how we can answer the universal questions that define our lives: Can I succeed? Do I belong? Am I loved?' Carol S. Dweck, bestselling author of Mindset

Discover simple psychological shifts that build trust, belonging, and confidence--from the co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab at Stanford University

The emotional questions we face can define our lives. If you're expecting an interaction to go wrong, that expectation can make it so. That's spiralling down. But as esteemed Stanford psychologist Greg Walton shows, when we see these questions clearly, we can answer them well. Known to social psychologists as wise interventions, these shifts in perspective can help us chart new trajectories for our lives. They help us spiral up.

This is ordinary magic: The everyday experiences that help us set aside the ordinary worries of life to unleash extraordinary change.

Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis of fascinating research Dr. Walton pulls back the curtain to reveal the magic at work:
- With our children: The few choice words from a parent or a teacher that builds trust and achievement.
- In our relationships: How the right opportunity to reflect, for just a few minutes before a conflict conversation, can engender greater intimacy among couples--even a year later.
- In school: How learning that everyone feels as out of place at first as you do at a new school--they really do--can unleash extraordinary potential, improving your life a decade later.
- In our policy: how a one-page letter reduced recidivism among kids returning to school from juvenile detention by 40 percentage points; a postcard campaign cut suicide rates in half.

It's easy to think problems are out of our control. But in fact, we have vast opportunities for change. Ordinary Magic puts the tools for change at your fingertips.

Critics Review

This book addresses the deepest questions we ask ourselves - Can I succeed? Do I belong? Does my partner really love me? . . . Greg Walton is one of the great psychologists of our time and Ordinary Magic is a life-changing book.
Carol S. Dweck, bestselling author of Mindset
This book reveals how small steps can lead to giant leaps . . . It's an eye-opening look at how we have more power to improve our lives than we realize.
Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, and host of the podcast Re: Thinking
This book is a kind of manual for becoming a psychologically wiser human being by one of the most respected and sincere scholars I know.
Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
The most important popular psychology book of the year, from one of the most important psychologists in a generation, Ordinary Magic shows how to make your mind work for you, not against you
Kelly McGonigal, author of The Upside of Stress
Do life's biggest problems feel insurmountable? Greg Walton has the answer in his remarkable book Ordinary Magic. Using cutting edge behavioral science, he shows how to break big problems into bite-sized goals we can all accomplish.
Arthur C. Brooks, Harvard Professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author
A book that is fun to read and will change your life.
Timothy D. Wilson author of Redirect: Changing the Stories We Live By
Ordinary Magic is required reading . . . from one of the most important psychologists working on the challenge of behavior change today.
Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast
This is an inspiring book by one of psychology's greatest architects of how to change behavior for the good . . . a must read by anyone interested in seeing our society improve.
Claude M. Steele, author of Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do
Ordinary Magic breaks it down. Here are the secret ingredients to conjure the magic of more confidence, trust and belonging for ourselves and others . . . a bold, accessible and inspiring book.
Hazel Rose Markus, co-author of Clash: How to Thrive in a Multicultural World
Author Dr Gregory Walton
Narrator Gregory M. Walton, PhD, Hattie Tate
Duration 14 hours and 27 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781035429790
Format Audiobook
Publisher Headline
Genre Psychology, Self-help, personal development and practical advice
Availability AU, GB, IE

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