Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts

About the Book

'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.

About the Author :
Greg Walton, PhD, is the co-director of the Dweck-Walton Lab and a professor of psychology at Stanford University. Dr. Walton's research is supported by many foundations, including Character Lab, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. He has been covered in major media outlets including The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, and Los Angeles Times.

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. 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. 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. 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 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. A book that is fun to read and will change your life. Ordinary Magic is required reading . . . from one of the most important psychologists working on the challenge of behavior change today. 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. 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.