Author: Richard Wiseman

Summary of “59 Seconds” by Richard Wiseman

“59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot” by Richard Wiseman is a self-help book that offers practical, science-based advice for improving various aspects of life in under a minute. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Happiness:

• Experiences over Material Goods: Spending money on experiences rather than material goods leads to greater happiness.
• Gratitude: Writing down three things you are grateful for each day can significantly boost your mood.
• Acts of Kindness: Performing small acts of kindness can increase your happiness.

2. Motivation:

• Small Rewards: To encourage people to do more of something they enjoy, give them occasional small rewards or praise.
• Visualization: Instead of fantasizing about your perfect world, focus on visualizing the steps needed to achieve your goals.

3. Relationships:

• Favor Request: Asking someone to do you a small favor can increase their liking for you.
• Gossip: When you gossip about someone, listeners unconsciously associate you with the characteristics you describe.

4. Productivity:

• Eulogy Exercise: Think about what you want people to say at your funeral to align your actions with your long-term goals.
• Immediate Action: When you have a brilliant idea, act on it immediately instead of overthinking.

5. Self-Perception:

• Behavioral Mimicry: Acting like a happy person can actually make you feel happier.
• Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would a friend.

Review

“59 Seconds”** is praised for its practical and research-backed advice. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist, uses scientific studies to debunk common self-help myths and provide effective strategies that can be implemented quickly. The book is engaging and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Pros:

• Scientific Basis: The advice is grounded in psychological research.
• Practical Tips: The book offers actionable steps that can be taken in under a minute.
• Engaging Writing: Wiseman’s writing style is engaging and often humorous.

Cons:

• Surface-Level Solutions: Some readers may find the tips too simplistic for complex issues.
• Repetition: A few concepts are repeated throughout the book, which might feel redundant to some readers.

Overall, “59 Seconds”** is a valuable read for anyone looking to make quick, positive changes in their life based on scientific evidence¹²³.

Source:
(1) Book Summary: 59 Seconds by Richard Wiseman – Sam Thomas Davies. https://www.samuelthomasdavies.com/book-summaries/psychology/59-seconds/.
(2) 59 Seconds Summary – Four Minute Books. https://fourminutebooks.com/59-seconds-summary/.
(3) 59 Seconds Book Summary, by Richard Wiseman – Allen Cheng. https://www.allencheng.com/59-seconds-book-summary-richard-wiseman/.
(4) 59 Seconds – Critical summary review – Richard J. Wiseman – 12minutos App. https://12min.com/59-seconds-summary.