Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard

by Chip Heath, Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Psychology and Human Behavior
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3923
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780307590169
  • Publisher: Crown Currency
  • Published: 2010-02-16
  • Reviews: 4

Switch explores the science behind why change is so difficult and how to overcome the internal conflict between our rational and emotional minds. The Heath brothers, Chip and Dan, draw on decades of research in psychology and sociology to reveal a pattern for successful change, illustrated through compelling stories of everyday people who have achieved remarkable transformations. From medical interns challenging outdated practices to managers revamping customer service, Switch offers practical tools and strategies to help you make the changes that matter most. Whether you're looking to improve your personal life or drive change in your organization, this book provides the roadmap to turn your intentions into lasting actions.

Reviews
blinkist.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
fascinating 4.50

The book provides an engaging and well-written historical analysis of the Mormon Church and its tenets, exploring religious fanaticism. It delves into the lives of figures like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, questioning the wisdom of following such leaders. The book is significant in its exploration of the FLDS sect and the chilling story of the Lafferty brothers, highlighting the dangers of unquestioning religious devotion.

The book offers a fascinating and chilling exploration of the Mormon Church and its history. It provides a detailed analysis of the lives and beliefs of key figures like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, questioning the reverence still held for them within the LDS community. The book also delves into the story of the Lafferty brothers and their murderous actions, which are contextualized within the broader history of the Mormon Church and its offshoots, particularly the polygamous FLDS sect. The narrative is engaging and well-written, making it a significant read, especially in the context of religious fanaticism and its potential dangers. The book's insights are particularly relevant in today's political and social climate, where the intersection of religion and power can have profound implications.

Quick quotes

    An engaging and well-written historical analysis of the Mormon Church and its tenets as well as an exploration of religious fanaticism generally.

    It was a significant book in 2003 and even more so now as we approach another presidential election.

    Down right scary in places, but puts what you have always been thinking about organized religion into print.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
helpful 3.50

The book offers practical advice on improving small talk skills, emphasizing the importance of initiating conversations, using open-ended questions, and paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues. It is particularly useful for those who struggle with social interactions, providing common sense tips that can be applied in various social settings.

The book provides a wealth of practical advice on how to improve small talk skills, which can be particularly beneficial for those who find social interactions challenging. The author emphasizes the importance of initiating conversations, especially with those who might be sitting alone, as this can help avoid misunderstandings and foster better relationships. The book suggests using open-ended questions to keep conversations flowing and to avoid awkward silences. It also advises paying close attention to verbal and non-verbal cues to ensure the conversation remains comfortable and engaging. While some of the advice might seem like common sense, it is presented in a way that makes it accessible and actionable for readers. The book is particularly useful for those who struggle with shyness or social anxiety, offering strategies to help them navigate social situations more confidently. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and build stronger social connections.

Quick quotes

    Enter Debra Fine, self-help author and speaking coach. She believes small talk is a skill that can be taught and mastered by even the most hopeless conversationalist.

    For example, she encourages readers to be brave and initiate conversations in public situations.

    The general focus of the book is on business networking and the section on dating consists mainly of anecdotes more likely to scare you off dating than increase your confidence in social small talk.

ala.org · Unknown · 2025-10-22
inspirational 4.50

The reviewer found 'Switch' by Chip and Dan Heath to be a practical and inspiring guide to change, filled with real-life stories and useful tips. They particularly appreciated the book's insights into fostering a growth mindset, which they found applicable to both their business and homeschooling.

The reviewer, a homeschooling mom and small business co-owner, found 'Switch' to be a valuable resource for personal and professional growth. The book offered practical advice on implementing change, which she applied to her business and homeschooling. The reviewer was especially inspired by the stories of successful change, such as Crystal Jones' work with Teach for America, and the concept of a growth mindset. They appreciated how the book balanced practical tips with inspirational narratives, making it both informative and engaging. The reviewer also noted that the book has added to their reading list, indicating its impact and relevance to their life.

Quick quotes

    The book was a page-turner. While packed with practical tips on how to move myself and those around to change, it was chock-full of inspirational real-life stories of big changes that improved people’s lives.

    Dweck and her colleagues set up a study for seventh-grade math students in a school where 79 percent of students were eligible for the federal free lunch program — exactly the kind of low socioeconomic environment in which students are at risk for starting a pattern of academic failure.

    One day, we were introducing the growth mindset to a new group of students. All at once Jimmy — the most hard-core, turned-off, low-effort kid in the group — looked up with tears in his eyes and said, 'You mean I don’t have to be dumb?' From that day on, he worked.

kolbe.org · Unknown · 2025-10-22
useful 4.50

Switch by Chip and Dan Heath offers tools to build and reinforce habits, focusing on the analytical and emotional brains, and external factors. The book provides practical advice like setting small goals, pointing to a destination, and creating action triggers to inspire consistent, long-term change.

Switch by Chip and Dan Heath is a practical guide to making and inspiring consistent, long-term change by altering habits. The authors identify three key factors in making any change: the analytical brain (The Elephant), the emotional brain (The Rider), and external factors (The Path). The book emphasizes the importance of addressing all three factors when implementing change, with a focus on what you can control. Practical advice includes setting small, achievable goals, pointing to a clear destination, and creating action triggers tied to specific actions. The authors also caution against the Fundamental Attribution Error, which assumes actions are due to personal flaws, and advocate for a growth mindset. The book is written in an engaging style, blending academic insights with human-centered case studies. While most of the book focuses on changing others' habits, many methods can also be applied to personal improvement. Overall, it's a useful and entertaining read.

Quick quotes

    Shrink the change. Set small goals and increase them over time, so the change is not overwhelming.

    Point to the Destination. A teacher's first-grade class was struggling behaviorally and academically. She began emphasizing "You will be third graders soon", repeating this phrase often in her tuition. The students internalized it and began to adopt behaviors consistent with older kids.

    Create Action Triggers: When this happens, I will do that. It is easier to reinforce a habit if you tie it to a specific action.

Appears in Lists