Below is a curated and annotated list of books and articles I recommend about how the brain works.
Thinking, Fast and Slow
by Daniel Kahneman
Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011
This book isn’t about self-discipline although it takes a lot of discipline to stick with it. Instead, it is a book that describes the research around how the brain works in decision-making. What is it about our brain that makes us jump and make a quick decision? When does our brain need to slow down and why? Fascinating reading.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1989499132
How to Have a Good Day: Harness the Power of Behavioral Science to Transform Your Working Life
by Caroline Webb
Crown Business, 2016
This book takes all of my favorite research from the past several years and puts the theories into relatable stories. One of her bits of advice is to take small steps to reach big goals. I think this theory applies very nicely to my concept of scheduling personal professional development days.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2165229132
Tolerance of Ambiguity in Creativity,
by Mark A. Runco, 2014.
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
by Charles Duhigg
Random House, 2012
“Identifies the neurological processes behind behaviors, explains how self-control and success are largely driven by habits, and shares scientifically-based guidelines for achieving personal goals and overall well-being by adjusting specific habits.”
-Synopsis provided by Jeffco Public Library
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2015439132
Your Brain at Work: Strategies for Overcoming Distraction, Regaining Focus and Working Smarter All Day Long
by David Rock
Harper Business, 2009
Thanks to Amber Cox for recommending this book. I enjoy reading pop psychology about decision-making and how the brain works. This is an accessible read with helpful examples about leveraging how various parts of the brain function to improve effectiveness at work. He uses an extended metaphor using the stage, actors and audience to make his point. I admit that despite dabbling in theater in high school, it still took my brain awhile to warm up to this metaphor.
I don’t want to turn this book back in to the library. I’ve marked it with sticky notes all over the place. I learned from the image he used of mental brakes wearing out just like the brakes of a car. Each time you pump the brake, the lining wears out just a little. Mental brakes need relining too. He has done an excellent job of gathering a lot of the recent brain research and making it understandable and applicable. There are also many helpful suggestions for improving higher level thinking. An excellent resource.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1909049132
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
by Carol Dweck
Ballantine Books, 2016
I keep this book in my nightstand. Some of the operating system updates I’ve mentioned above are mindset shifts. This is an oft-cited classic based on solid research and world-class expertise.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2437593132
Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking
by Malcolm Gladwell
Little, Brown and Company, 2005
Similar ideas to Thinking Fast and Slow but a shorter read with lots of stories. Gladwell is always entertaining and often enlightening.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1662872132
Behave: The Biology of Humans at our Best and Worst
by Robert M. Sapolsky
Penguin Press, 2017
My oft-recommended and favorite book about the brain. It’s a toughie but I promise it’s worth every minute. I’ve recommended this book before. It’s an instant classic for students of the biology of human behavior.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2244278132
Sugar and the Brain
by Scott Edwards
Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute
This article gives the brief basics on how glucose affects a human’s ability to think.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Wikipedia
Classic theory of the psychology of the importance of getting basic human needs met.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs
Q&A: Why a Rested Brain is More Creative
by Ferris Jabr
Scientific American, 2016
Accessible article with nice examples from the author.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/q-a-why-a-rested-brain-is-more-creative/
How to Change your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
by Michael Pollan
Penguin Press, 2018
This is a fascinating book about the brain. I’m not recommending anyone start taking magic mushrooms.
https://jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2341778132
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