Self-directed behavior
by David L. Watson, Roland G. Tharp · first published 1972
7mentions
5recommended by
6HN commenters
2009–2023first – last mentioned
83% recommend17% neutral
Why HN recommends it
A practical, science-based guide to changing your own behavior that applies to any goal. It offers a structured, no-hype introduction to self-modification for anyone starting a personal change project.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Self-directed behavior - Watson This is a textbook for behavior change course, but it is 100% practical (project to pass subject is to change some kind of behavior) Only tested information Science-based. This book can change…
on “Ask HN: What are the best unknown books you have read?” ↗For any kind of self-modification project, I strongly recommend the book "Self-directed behavior" by Watson & Tharp. It's the thinking man's (or woman's) self-help book, with general all-purpose advice for any kind of change. Very practical and very useful.
on “Have you ever been successful in changing your personality?” ↗A book that I have found very useful for both developing new habits and breaking existing unproductive habits is "Self-Directed Behavior" by Watson & Tharp. It's based on scientific research, but the ideas are presented clearly and in a practically useful way. It's also about more than just the introduction or changing of habits - it also…
on “Ask HN: Are there any systematic and scientific ways to develop a habit?” ↗As somebody who has suffered basically the exact same thing, one book that has immensely helped is: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Directed-Behavior-Self-Modificat... Essentially I found that I could tackle any task, but on the first flash of some other more exciting idea, feeling or sensation, I would drift off. The book boils doing to finding…
on “Ask HN: Is it 'normal' to struggle so hard with work?” ↗…you need to optimize yourself, I’d recommend to skip the millennial bestseller lists and to closer to the source. A few recommendations: Self Help Without the Hype (R. Epstein) Tiny Habits (BJ Fogg) Self-Directed Behavior: Self-Modification for Personal Adjustment (Watson/Tharp) Don't Shoot the Dog (Pryor) Really, just the first one will likely be enough.
on “Why 'Atomic Habits' may not be working for you” ↗…that runs on "unlimited devices." Why, unless writing the journal with a team of ghostwriters? - Lost It!: $28/year. Supposed to be Lose It!—a weight-loss app? Replace with books: The Blue Zones, Spark, Self-Directed Behavior. - Habitica: $63/year. Habit tracking, gamification. Replace with books. These are tactics, not technologies. Learn the tactics once and use them for life. - Ulysses: $67/year. A writing app for Macs.…
on “$9.99/month” ↗Has anybody here read Watson and Tharp's Self-Directed Behavior: Self-Modification for Personal Adjustment ? Any review/insight/recommendation would be much appreciated.
on “Must-read psychology books” ↗