Psychological Foundations of Success: A Harvard-Trained Scientist Separates the Science of Success from Self-Help Snake Oil
Product Description
In Psychological Foundations of Success, Stephen J. Kraus synthesizes decades of research on success and well-being, creating one of the most sophisticated and entertaining self-improvement books ever written. Along the way, he de-bunks self-help snake oil, unmasks self-improvement urban legends, and explores the “greatest hits” of psychology’s most fascinating research. The result is a scientifically valid five step system for personal achievement that anyone can use. 1. Vision: The science of clarifying what you really want from life
2. Strategy: The science of turning lofty ambitions into consistent actions
3. Belief: The science of minimizing FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt)
4. Persistence: The science of drive and determination
5. Learning: The science of making course corrections in life At each step, the book goes far beyond the common knowledge, cliches and anecdotes found in many self-help books. It explores the uncommon… More >>
If I had not had this as a reading assignment for a college class, I would never have tolerated the dull and drawn out reading of this book. Perhaps as a student, I expect a book of this size to get to the point. Agonizingly boring, the useful bits can be far more easily gleaned from any other book of its genre. The author is clearly in love with himself, the humor he attempts is not amusing, and he continually contradicts himself. If one is used to being spoon-fed info, without analyzing whether or not it makes sense or is truly valid, then this is the book for you. If he could have stayed on point, there is some basic info that aligns with most other authors of books on success. But to dig it out, from all the blah-blah and yada-yada… well, it just isn’t worth it. I could easily edit the entire book down to two chapters of real information, if I could stand to do so. This is a rambling, excruciatingly painful read, dotted with preachiness and arrogance. I would rather be lain bare in the desert sun, spread with honey, and left to be eaten alive by ants than read one more word from this man.
i brought this book for my boyfriend. he loved it would recommend it to anyone for ensight and knowledge.
Helped me in many ways. I recommend this book to anyone who has lost their way.
Kraus has done an excellent job to make those abstract concepts and extensive researches in psychology useful for everyone. People should read this book instead of attending the so called Motivational Training or reading Motivational Books, that are dominated by common senses and untested assumptions. I think every psychologist should follow Dr. Kraus steps, to translate his/her knowledge into something practical and useful. Positive Psychology surely has a lot to offer.
I really liked this book. It’s not the typical self-help with big promises and lack of actual facts, it’s a well researched book on how to achieve success. It’s filled with scientific information and that is the real value of this book. What’s in there can be trusted, it’s not just a personal story or a collection of anecdotes, but scientifically validated information. Maybe it’s not the most entertaining book, but for someone who is searching for reliable information on success strategies this book is a gem.