Advance praise for BE WHO YOU WANT
Publication in May 2021. Pre-order: US / UK
I’m not much of a lover of life coaching and personal growth books. But I found myself consuming Christian Jarrett’s Be Who You Want with gradually increasing fascination and conviction. This is not snake-oil huckstering, or silly salesmanship but plausible and very convincing science. There are enough plums, cherries, raisins and sultanas in this delightful cake to inspire, surprise, motivate and enthuse anyone. Warmly recommended. Stephen Fry
In this deeply researched and insightful book, Christian Jarrett shows that we are not, in fact, stuck with ourselves. Jarrett argues convincingly that we can and do change — indeed, whether we notice it in ourselves or not, we already are changing. The hopeful message of the book is that it’s possible to change ourselves in positive ways, in ways that align with our core values, in ways that allow us, as he writes, to be who we want. Melissa Dahl, Executive editor at New York magazine and author of Cringeworthy
In this inspiring yet bracingly down-to-earth book, Christian Jarrett shows that positive personality change lies within reach. And since your beliefs about what’s possible are central to what’s actually possible, just reading Be Who You Want should get the improvements started. Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking
Christian Jarrett has written a lucid, balanced, engaging and authoritative account of the promise of positive personality change. Richly researched and evocatively written, Be Who You Want provides a hopeful and nuanced message. This is essential reading for a general audience who may be puzzled and perplexed about their own personalities and those of people they care about. Professor Brian R. Little, author of Me, Myself and Us
It’s not an exaggeration to say this book will change your life. Be Who You Want perfectly combines fascinating research, surprising stories, and personal anecdotes to explore how picking your personality can change your daily and long-term outlook. This book is a must-read! Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Indistractable
There is no better guide to the psychology of personality than Christian Jarrett. Be Who You Want is fascinating and revelatory, identifying the many forces that have shaped us – and the practical ways to become a new person. Filled with compassion, wisdom, and optimism, it is essential reading for anyone interested in the science of self-transformation. David Robson, author of The Intelligence Trap
Not many people realize the pervasiveness of personality, not only for your success at school and work, but also for your mental and physical health and even your longevity. In this insightful book, Christian Jarrett shows us how to disrupt old strategies and habits and shape our character for the better. A timely and empowering book, you’ll never think about your personality in the same way again. Scott Barry Kaufman, host of The Psychology Podcast and author of Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization
As a psychologist, it’s rare that I come across a book that communicates the complexities of personality and behavior change in a way that’s both accessible and substantive. Be Who You Want does so in spades – with plenty of wit and warmth to boot! An intellectually thrilling and genuinely practical book that will show you how to harness the science of personality to change yourself for the better. Nick Wignall, Clinical psychologist and blogger
The good news is that personality is a skill, and like all skills, we can improve. In this optimistic book, you’ll discover what’s possible – if we care enough to change. Seth Godin, author of The Practice
Personality is hard to change, but recent advances in science have shown that with the right tools and strategies it is possible to become a better version of ourselves. This wonderful new book will show you how. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and Columbia University
Dr. Jarrett’s engaging writing style educates and entertains, even if you’re someone who is mostly happy with who you already are. In Be Who You Want, he offers exercises, and insight, to give readers the power to build new habits and change in positive ways. Elizabeth Loftus, Past President of the Association for Psychological Science
How to let go of a lifelong dream
In his final Psyche Guide of the year, Christian explained how to overcome any feelings of loss or failure by pivoting toward a new passion.
Workplace bullying is more harmful than we realised
In January, Christian wrote a piece for BBC Worklife about how being bullied at work won’t just affect you emotionally, but could also have serious consequences for your health.
Why procrastination is about managing emotions, not time
Address the real reasons you procrastinate and you’re more likely to start achieving your goals. Christian wrote this piece for BBC Worklife in May.
How lockdown may have changed your personality
Our personalities are shaped by our experiences and social interactions, so how might the months of being isolated from friends, family and colleagues have altered us? Christian investigated for his Personology column at BBC Future.
Cognitive Load Theory: Explaining our fight for focus
Cognitive Load Theory provides a useful framework for understanding the different ways the pandemic could be playing havoc with your mental function. Christian showed how in this piece for BBC Worklife in November. It inspired this news report in the Irish Times.
How to cope with a panic attack
A panic attack is a dramatic false alarm clanging in body and mind. Recognising this is the first step to dialling it down. Christian authored this Psyche Guide in July.
How to politely and productively disagree
In an age of Brexit, Trump and Covid-19, disagreements can feel acute. But are there ways to make the debate more civil – and more useful? Christian authored this article for BBC Worklife in October.
Resilience: What it is and how to build it
In September, Christian had the cover feature for BBC Science Focus about what we can learn from people who’ve been through adversity and come through stronger than before.
Dr Christian Jarrett 