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The Difference That Makes the Difference: NLP and the Science of Positive Change
Take control of your life and create profound change today using NLP and the science of positive change
Neurolinguistic Programming is a process for understanding what makes people tick. When we understand how people think, feel, and act in key situations, we have the raw material with which to make change happen, often quickly and profoundly.
In the 1970s, linguists studied the language patterns and nonverbal cues of great psychotherapists, as well as social influence within communities, in order to pinpoint what enables human beings to change. Their findings formed the basis of NLP, which has since been used to teach therapists and life coaches how to master one-on-one interactions.
When a lawyer named Greg Prosmushkin discovered NLP, he realized that what he learned – how to communicate with confidence, model excellence, and influence your own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—were incredibly valuable outside a therapy context. He used what he learned to make huge breakthroughs in his trials and to step into his own as an entrepreneur. When he met Josh Davis, a PhD who studied psychology and neuroscience and NLP expert, they realized that they needed to make NLP easily available for everyone. To do so, they show how the tools of NLP can be used by everyone in their daily work and personal lives, and connect these tools to the science of change that supports them.
The Difference that Makes the Difference is a result of their breakthrough, and in this book, readers learn how
-Communicate with confidence
-Model excellence to learn and master new skills
-Influence their own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in positive ways
-…and much more
It’s time to move past simply waiting and wishing for your life to be different—dive into the tools of NLP and the science behind change that supports those tools, to make a real impact in your life, right now.
Neurolinguistic Programming is a process for understanding what makes people tick. When we understand how people think, feel, and act in key situations, we have the raw material with which to make change happen, often quickly and profoundly.
In the 1970s, linguists studied the language patterns and nonverbal cues of great psychotherapists, as well as social influence within communities, in order to pinpoint what enables human beings to change. Their findings formed the basis of NLP, which has since been used to teach therapists and life coaches how to master one-on-one interactions.
When a lawyer named Greg Prosmushkin discovered NLP, he realized that what he learned – how to communicate with confidence, model excellence, and influence your own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—were incredibly valuable outside a therapy context. He used what he learned to make huge breakthroughs in his trials and to step into his own as an entrepreneur. When he met Josh Davis, a PhD who studied psychology and neuroscience and NLP expert, they realized that they needed to make NLP easily available for everyone. To do so, they show how the tools of NLP can be used by everyone in their daily work and personal lives, and connect these tools to the science of change that supports them.
The Difference that Makes the Difference is a result of their breakthrough, and in this book, readers learn how
-Communicate with confidence
-Model excellence to learn and master new skills
-Influence their own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in positive ways
-…and much more
It’s time to move past simply waiting and wishing for your life to be different—dive into the tools of NLP and the science behind change that supports those tools, to make a real impact in your life, right now.
- GenresNonfiction
336 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2025
14 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 3, 2025
I actually thought NLP stood for something different when I requested this book but it turned out to be a happy accident. The concept under discussion, Nuerolinguistic Processing, is quite fascinating. I read arcs pretty fast, so I actually want to come back for this one in print and I've preordered it.
I like this book because it offers a system of communication that can actually be practiced. And I like that NLP basically teaches intellectual empathy, or how to think like the person you're talking to.
I couldn't pick up everything this book has to offer on the first pass. For example, it contains a wealth of writing and reflection exercises that I look forward to in my next pass.
I recommend this one to people who would like to communicate more effectively or learn more about how people communicate.
Thank you to the authors Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin, publishers St. Martin's Essentials, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. All views are mine.
I like this book because it offers a system of communication that can actually be practiced. And I like that NLP basically teaches intellectual empathy, or how to think like the person you're talking to.
I couldn't pick up everything this book has to offer on the first pass. For example, it contains a wealth of writing and reflection exercises that I look forward to in my next pass.
I recommend this one to people who would like to communicate more effectively or learn more about how people communicate.
Thank you to the authors Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin, publishers St. Martin's Essentials, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. All views are mine.
July 3, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 8, 2025
Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) is gaining in popularity as of late, although it does have its critics, so it is likely that if you haven’t heard about it yet, you soon will. In its basic form, NLP is the process of understanding what makes people tick. A combination of psychology and linguistics, NLP helps us understand how the words others say (and how they say them) and how to use this understanding to “slightly encourage” other people to see things our way.
Josh Davis PhD is the author of “Two Awesome Hours: Science-Based Strategies to Harness Your Best Time and Get Your Most Important Work Done” and is an expert in the field of NLP. Greg Prosmushkin is a trial lawyer who realized the positive impacts NLP had on his professional work. In “The Difference That Makes the Difference: NLP and the Science of Positive Change”, the two join forces, combining their knowledge and presenting it in a generalizable, digestible format that appeals to a wide audience.
“Difference” was informative, helpful and, in parts, humorous, and both authors found ways to connect to their audience (which, considering they wrote this specific book, I would question their knowledge if they were unable to influence readers in some capacity) while providing them with information on a very divisive topic.
I did not know much about NLP going into this, so all the information was almost brand-new to me. Those who have had some experience with the process may have a different opinion but, as a newbie, I found the concept fascinating. Normally, I breeze through self-help books, exhibiting long, drawn-out eye rolls in between chapters but “Difference” managed to pique my curiousity. Not every part was as relevant to me, nor did I buy in to every module, but there was enough new and pertinent information to keep me paying attention (and taking notes).
NLP seems to be quite the complex process, but the authors of “Difference” present it in a way that is both compulsively readable and actually easy to understand. If you have always been stymied by what seems to be an external force, or just have a general interest in the process of NLP, “Difference” provides an examination of NLP that covers all the necessary information.
Expected publication date: July 8, 2025
Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) is gaining in popularity as of late, although it does have its critics, so it is likely that if you haven’t heard about it yet, you soon will. In its basic form, NLP is the process of understanding what makes people tick. A combination of psychology and linguistics, NLP helps us understand how the words others say (and how they say them) and how to use this understanding to “slightly encourage” other people to see things our way.
Josh Davis PhD is the author of “Two Awesome Hours: Science-Based Strategies to Harness Your Best Time and Get Your Most Important Work Done” and is an expert in the field of NLP. Greg Prosmushkin is a trial lawyer who realized the positive impacts NLP had on his professional work. In “The Difference That Makes the Difference: NLP and the Science of Positive Change”, the two join forces, combining their knowledge and presenting it in a generalizable, digestible format that appeals to a wide audience.
“Difference” was informative, helpful and, in parts, humorous, and both authors found ways to connect to their audience (which, considering they wrote this specific book, I would question their knowledge if they were unable to influence readers in some capacity) while providing them with information on a very divisive topic.
I did not know much about NLP going into this, so all the information was almost brand-new to me. Those who have had some experience with the process may have a different opinion but, as a newbie, I found the concept fascinating. Normally, I breeze through self-help books, exhibiting long, drawn-out eye rolls in between chapters but “Difference” managed to pique my curiousity. Not every part was as relevant to me, nor did I buy in to every module, but there was enough new and pertinent information to keep me paying attention (and taking notes).
NLP seems to be quite the complex process, but the authors of “Difference” present it in a way that is both compulsively readable and actually easy to understand. If you have always been stymied by what seems to be an external force, or just have a general interest in the process of NLP, “Difference” provides an examination of NLP that covers all the necessary information.
July 9, 2025
I didn't really know much about neurolinguistic programming (NLP) before reading this, but I found it rather interesting and something that could be helpful to many people. The authors do state at the beginning that there are people who don't agree with NLP and some evidence that parts of it don't work, but that it can still help many people in learning how to change their language and interactions with others for the better.
The different skills and parts of NLP that are discussed can be used in many interactions: a boss to his employees, a husband to wife, a mother to child. It's using words and observations to make your conversations more meaningful and to help understand each other. Instead of fighting and people saying they don't feel understood, you can use the techniques to get to the heart of matters and solve issues without the fighting or hurt feelings. Now I don't think every technique is useful in every situation, and I'm sure there are people that this just won't work well on, but it is still worth a shot reading and trying to implement some of the techniques in different situations to see if they help. I have studied something similar before at my job in order to find resolutions, so the techniques listed are ones I could try out in different situations to help achieve my goals.
While the authors do their best at making this interesting and humorous, it can get a little dry and repetitive at times. However, I think the overall book is good and would recommend to anyone looking for help in communicating.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The different skills and parts of NLP that are discussed can be used in many interactions: a boss to his employees, a husband to wife, a mother to child. It's using words and observations to make your conversations more meaningful and to help understand each other. Instead of fighting and people saying they don't feel understood, you can use the techniques to get to the heart of matters and solve issues without the fighting or hurt feelings. Now I don't think every technique is useful in every situation, and I'm sure there are people that this just won't work well on, but it is still worth a shot reading and trying to implement some of the techniques in different situations to see if they help. I have studied something similar before at my job in order to find resolutions, so the techniques listed are ones I could try out in different situations to help achieve my goals.
While the authors do their best at making this interesting and humorous, it can get a little dry and repetitive at times. However, I think the overall book is good and would recommend to anyone looking for help in communicating.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read
September 7, 2025In "The Difference That Makes the Difference" by Greg Prosmushkin and Josh Davis, the authors invite readers to look closely at how the mind shapes perception and how communication patterns can unlock hidden potential. They argue that the way we interpret experiences - through the filters of our beliefs, language, and mental models - determines not only how we see the world but also what opportunities we recognize or miss. What might appear to be luck, talent, or circumstance often comes down to learned ways of thinking and interacting. By drawing on insights from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), they show that transformation doesn’t require mystical breakthroughs but practical shifts in mindset, language, and awareness. These shifts create meaningful changes in confidence, relationships, and influence.
At the core of NLP lies a powerful principle: the map is not the territory. Our mental models are not the world itself but our interpretations of it, shaped by years of experience and conditioning. Two people can face the same event - say, being turned down for a job - and one interprets it as proof of inadequacy, while another sees it as redirection toward something better suited. Both interpretations feel true because the mind collects evidence to support existing beliefs. These internal maps determine whether we see abundance or limitation, trust or suspicion, growth or stagnation. What Prosmushkin and Davis emphasize is that these maps are not fixed. They are malleable, shaped by language and habit, and capable of being redrawn to support more empowering possibilities.
Much of the work involves identifying limiting beliefs, many of which take root in childhood. A careless remark from a teacher, a painful rejection, or even a single experience of failure can crystallize into rules we carry into adulthood: 'I’m not good at this,' 'People will always leave,' or 'Success is for others, not me.' These convictions operate like invisible barriers. Some concern identity ('I’ll never be confident'), others revolve around people ('No one can be trusted'), and still others dictate how the world works ('Life is unfair, and nothing can change it'). Because they masquerade as objective truths, they often go unquestioned. Yet by noticing the language we use with ourselves - phrases like 'always,' 'never,' or 'impossible' - we can begin to catch these beliefs in action. Even physical sensations like a knot in the stomach or tension in the shoulders can signal when a limiting thought has been triggered.
The antidote is curiosity. Instead of accepting limiting beliefs as fact, the authors suggest asking what purpose these beliefs serve and whether they are still useful. Often they were originally designed to protect us from harm, but they become outdated as circumstances change. Recognizing that beliefs are learned, not fixed, opens the door to change. The brain’s plasticity ensures that new patterns can be wired through repetition and intention. Just as negative beliefs strengthen with reinforcement, empowering ones can be cultivated by choosing more resourceful interpretations.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by practicing outcome-focused thinking. Many people fixate on avoiding problems: not wanting to fail, not wanting to be rejected, not wanting to look foolish. The result is that their brain becomes highly attuned to spotting danger, filtering experiences through fear. Outcome-focused thinking flips the script. Instead of dwelling on what to avoid, the focus shifts toward what to create. This means developing vivid, specific pictures of desired outcomes, whether it is building meaningful relationships, achieving career milestones, or fostering personal growth. A vague goal like 'I want to be happy' lacks direction. A precise statement like 'I want to hold meaningful conversations with three new people this month' gives the brain clear instructions on what to notice and act upon.
Language plays a critical role here. Saying 'I hope I can change' communicates doubt, while saying 'I am developing new habits' assumes progress is already underway. The words we choose reinforce the mental models that guide behavior. Aligning goals with genuine values, rather than external expectations, also ensures motivation is sustainable. Outcome-focused thinking doesn’t mean ignoring obstacles but approaching them as part of the pathway rather than as reasons to quit. Flexibility is crucial. The end result remains steady, but the route may shift unexpectedly, opening space for creative solutions.
Equally transformative is changing the way we think about failure. Society conditions us to see mistakes as shameful proof of inadequacy, which discourages risk-taking. Yet the authors argue that setbacks are simply feedback. Each attempt that doesn’t work is data about what adjustments are needed. Children learning to walk don’t interpret falling as failure; they interpret it as information and keep trying. Somewhere in adulthood, many lose this natural resilience, replacing curiosity with self-criticism. Those who achieve the most often fail the most, not because they are less skilled but because they attempt more experiments. Shifting from a fear of failure to a learning mindset transforms frustration into momentum.
Adaptability is an essential part of this mindset. The brain craves certainty, but growth requires movement through uncertainty. Being willing to act without perfect knowledge distinguishes those who progress from those who remain paralyzed by planning. Flexible thinkers hold their interpretations lightly, knowing that the stories the brain creates are just one possible version of events. This openness allows for continuous learning and adjustment.
While mindset transformation is critical, success in life also hinges on connection. Human beings are wired for relationships, and the quality of our interactions often determines personal and professional outcomes. The authors describe rapport as the sense of effortless connection when two people understand each other deeply. Though rapport sometimes occurs spontaneously, it can also be cultivated intentionally. Active listening - giving full attention, setting aside distractions, and focusing on both words and underlying emotions - is fundamental. Most people listen with the intent to reply; true listening requires listening with the intent to understand.
Matching communication styles helps build comfort and trust. People feel more at ease with those who reflect aspects of their own style, whether in pace, energy, or body language. Done authentically, this creates unconscious alignment that strengthens rapport. Flexibility in communication is equally important. Some people prefer direct, efficient exchanges, while others value emotional nuance or detailed explanations. Adapting to meet others where they are does not mean abandoning authenticity; it means broadening one’s expressive range to foster connection.
Ultimately, the combination of mindset shifts and communication strategies creates a reinforcing loop. As individuals learn to reframe beliefs, focus on desired outcomes, embrace failure as feedback, and connect authentically with others, they unlock levels of confidence and influence that once felt out of reach. These changes ripple outward, transforming not only personal potential but also relationships, careers, and communities.
In conclusion, "The Difference That Makes the Difference" by Greg Prosmushkin and Josh Davis demonstrates that extraordinary growth begins with seemingly small shifts in thought and language. Our internal maps, though powerful, are not destiny; they are patterns that can be redrawn to reveal new possibilities. By questioning limiting beliefs, practicing outcome-focused thinking, reframing failure as learning, and mastering rapport-building, anyone can create meaningful changes in both mindset and relationships. This book reveals that the true difference lies not in external circumstances but in how we interpret and respond to them. With intention and practice, these tools make transformation accessible, practical, and lasting.
At the core of NLP lies a powerful principle: the map is not the territory. Our mental models are not the world itself but our interpretations of it, shaped by years of experience and conditioning. Two people can face the same event - say, being turned down for a job - and one interprets it as proof of inadequacy, while another sees it as redirection toward something better suited. Both interpretations feel true because the mind collects evidence to support existing beliefs. These internal maps determine whether we see abundance or limitation, trust or suspicion, growth or stagnation. What Prosmushkin and Davis emphasize is that these maps are not fixed. They are malleable, shaped by language and habit, and capable of being redrawn to support more empowering possibilities.
Much of the work involves identifying limiting beliefs, many of which take root in childhood. A careless remark from a teacher, a painful rejection, or even a single experience of failure can crystallize into rules we carry into adulthood: 'I’m not good at this,' 'People will always leave,' or 'Success is for others, not me.' These convictions operate like invisible barriers. Some concern identity ('I’ll never be confident'), others revolve around people ('No one can be trusted'), and still others dictate how the world works ('Life is unfair, and nothing can change it'). Because they masquerade as objective truths, they often go unquestioned. Yet by noticing the language we use with ourselves - phrases like 'always,' 'never,' or 'impossible' - we can begin to catch these beliefs in action. Even physical sensations like a knot in the stomach or tension in the shoulders can signal when a limiting thought has been triggered.
The antidote is curiosity. Instead of accepting limiting beliefs as fact, the authors suggest asking what purpose these beliefs serve and whether they are still useful. Often they were originally designed to protect us from harm, but they become outdated as circumstances change. Recognizing that beliefs are learned, not fixed, opens the door to change. The brain’s plasticity ensures that new patterns can be wired through repetition and intention. Just as negative beliefs strengthen with reinforcement, empowering ones can be cultivated by choosing more resourceful interpretations.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by practicing outcome-focused thinking. Many people fixate on avoiding problems: not wanting to fail, not wanting to be rejected, not wanting to look foolish. The result is that their brain becomes highly attuned to spotting danger, filtering experiences through fear. Outcome-focused thinking flips the script. Instead of dwelling on what to avoid, the focus shifts toward what to create. This means developing vivid, specific pictures of desired outcomes, whether it is building meaningful relationships, achieving career milestones, or fostering personal growth. A vague goal like 'I want to be happy' lacks direction. A precise statement like 'I want to hold meaningful conversations with three new people this month' gives the brain clear instructions on what to notice and act upon.
Language plays a critical role here. Saying 'I hope I can change' communicates doubt, while saying 'I am developing new habits' assumes progress is already underway. The words we choose reinforce the mental models that guide behavior. Aligning goals with genuine values, rather than external expectations, also ensures motivation is sustainable. Outcome-focused thinking doesn’t mean ignoring obstacles but approaching them as part of the pathway rather than as reasons to quit. Flexibility is crucial. The end result remains steady, but the route may shift unexpectedly, opening space for creative solutions.
Equally transformative is changing the way we think about failure. Society conditions us to see mistakes as shameful proof of inadequacy, which discourages risk-taking. Yet the authors argue that setbacks are simply feedback. Each attempt that doesn’t work is data about what adjustments are needed. Children learning to walk don’t interpret falling as failure; they interpret it as information and keep trying. Somewhere in adulthood, many lose this natural resilience, replacing curiosity with self-criticism. Those who achieve the most often fail the most, not because they are less skilled but because they attempt more experiments. Shifting from a fear of failure to a learning mindset transforms frustration into momentum.
Adaptability is an essential part of this mindset. The brain craves certainty, but growth requires movement through uncertainty. Being willing to act without perfect knowledge distinguishes those who progress from those who remain paralyzed by planning. Flexible thinkers hold their interpretations lightly, knowing that the stories the brain creates are just one possible version of events. This openness allows for continuous learning and adjustment.
While mindset transformation is critical, success in life also hinges on connection. Human beings are wired for relationships, and the quality of our interactions often determines personal and professional outcomes. The authors describe rapport as the sense of effortless connection when two people understand each other deeply. Though rapport sometimes occurs spontaneously, it can also be cultivated intentionally. Active listening - giving full attention, setting aside distractions, and focusing on both words and underlying emotions - is fundamental. Most people listen with the intent to reply; true listening requires listening with the intent to understand.
Matching communication styles helps build comfort and trust. People feel more at ease with those who reflect aspects of their own style, whether in pace, energy, or body language. Done authentically, this creates unconscious alignment that strengthens rapport. Flexibility in communication is equally important. Some people prefer direct, efficient exchanges, while others value emotional nuance or detailed explanations. Adapting to meet others where they are does not mean abandoning authenticity; it means broadening one’s expressive range to foster connection.
Ultimately, the combination of mindset shifts and communication strategies creates a reinforcing loop. As individuals learn to reframe beliefs, focus on desired outcomes, embrace failure as feedback, and connect authentically with others, they unlock levels of confidence and influence that once felt out of reach. These changes ripple outward, transforming not only personal potential but also relationships, careers, and communities.
In conclusion, "The Difference That Makes the Difference" by Greg Prosmushkin and Josh Davis demonstrates that extraordinary growth begins with seemingly small shifts in thought and language. Our internal maps, though powerful, are not destiny; they are patterns that can be redrawn to reveal new possibilities. By questioning limiting beliefs, practicing outcome-focused thinking, reframing failure as learning, and mastering rapport-building, anyone can create meaningful changes in both mindset and relationships. This book reveals that the true difference lies not in external circumstances but in how we interpret and respond to them. With intention and practice, these tools make transformation accessible, practical, and lasting.
March 26, 2025
Disclaimer: I was given an advance copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review.
As introductions to NLP go, this is pretty good. It’s comprehensive, easy to read, and well structured, making it ideal for both novices and those with a little knowledge. It’s been a while since I took my NLP training course, so I found it a great refresher. I particularly liked that they were skeptical about some of the aspects of NLP I’ve always found troublesome (that whole thing about eye movements, for example). They also note that some of the techniques I was taught and was dubious about are just methods you can try, but they’re not fundamental aspects of NLP.
They bring out well the most important aspects of NLP: mental models, the necessity for precision and clarity of thought, the importance of reframing, and the practical ways to use those techniques either for self-help or for helping others. And, since Davis is a trained neuroscientist, they explain things in terms of the actual processes that occur in the brain, which appeals to me. NLP is, after all, a tool for rewiring the brain and changing its default reactions to things.
That said, there were two things I found slightly irritating. First, the way they refer to the two authors in the third person feels awkward: Josh had this experience, and Greg had that experience… It feels like I’m reading a book about them, not by them. It would have worked better if the individual anecdotes had been separated from the main text in some way and told as first-person stories.
I also found there was too much emphasis on business: it felt like it was all about success in meetings, negotiations, handling clients, legal trials, and so on. While that’s all valid, I would have preferred if it had kept things more personal. I like to think of NLP as a tool for understanding myself and others, not a career success methodology. (It’s too late for that anyway - maybe thirty years ago I’d have thought differently!)
On the whole, though, I’d very much recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in the topic, especially if you’re dubious about the idea of investing a bunch of money in a training course.
As introductions to NLP go, this is pretty good. It’s comprehensive, easy to read, and well structured, making it ideal for both novices and those with a little knowledge. It’s been a while since I took my NLP training course, so I found it a great refresher. I particularly liked that they were skeptical about some of the aspects of NLP I’ve always found troublesome (that whole thing about eye movements, for example). They also note that some of the techniques I was taught and was dubious about are just methods you can try, but they’re not fundamental aspects of NLP.
They bring out well the most important aspects of NLP: mental models, the necessity for precision and clarity of thought, the importance of reframing, and the practical ways to use those techniques either for self-help or for helping others. And, since Davis is a trained neuroscientist, they explain things in terms of the actual processes that occur in the brain, which appeals to me. NLP is, after all, a tool for rewiring the brain and changing its default reactions to things.
That said, there were two things I found slightly irritating. First, the way they refer to the two authors in the third person feels awkward: Josh had this experience, and Greg had that experience… It feels like I’m reading a book about them, not by them. It would have worked better if the individual anecdotes had been separated from the main text in some way and told as first-person stories.
I also found there was too much emphasis on business: it felt like it was all about success in meetings, negotiations, handling clients, legal trials, and so on. While that’s all valid, I would have preferred if it had kept things more personal. I like to think of NLP as a tool for understanding myself and others, not a career success methodology. (It’s too late for that anyway - maybe thirty years ago I’d have thought differently!)
On the whole, though, I’d very much recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in the topic, especially if you’re dubious about the idea of investing a bunch of money in a training course.
April 29, 2025
I just finished The Difference that makes the Difference by John Davis PH.D and Greg Prosmushkin and here are my thoughts.
Stop waiting for your life to change… Change it today!!!
This book was really an eye opener. I had no idea about Neuro Linguistic Programming…. No clue what it was or meant. This book will do things like help you to communicate confidently! Sign me up for some of that!!
It will teach you how to learn and master new skills through modelling excellence. It was a really interesting book. The formatting was a bit squished for me. I would have liked paragraph breaks so I could make notes and tabs. I know it's a lot of info but it was hard to correlate what I wanted to save without the space to do so. That’s my only gripe. There was some excellent info in here, some I implemented immediately.
My favorite section is how to change someone else's mind…. Yours or theirs… It tells you how to get along with people, how to change their mental image. It was profoundly clever in honesty. Anyone who feels defeated should give this book a read. It can help you to bring about the more confident life you have been dreaming of..
4 stars
Thank you @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
Stop waiting for your life to change… Change it today!!!
This book was really an eye opener. I had no idea about Neuro Linguistic Programming…. No clue what it was or meant. This book will do things like help you to communicate confidently! Sign me up for some of that!!
It will teach you how to learn and master new skills through modelling excellence. It was a really interesting book. The formatting was a bit squished for me. I would have liked paragraph breaks so I could make notes and tabs. I know it's a lot of info but it was hard to correlate what I wanted to save without the space to do so. That’s my only gripe. There was some excellent info in here, some I implemented immediately.
My favorite section is how to change someone else's mind…. Yours or theirs… It tells you how to get along with people, how to change their mental image. It was profoundly clever in honesty. Anyone who feels defeated should give this book a read. It can help you to bring about the more confident life you have been dreaming of..
4 stars
Thank you @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
August 18, 2025
The authors have converted me to a fan of NLP, neurolinguistic programming. I had only heard a little about it before reading this book. They provide some background information, then dive into how to use NLP to improve one's life. The authors provide examples, directions, questions, and more to help readers figure out what they want, what's standing in their way, and how to move beyond common stumbling blocks in their lives.
I have been on my healing journey for three years, working to heal complex childhood trauma. I wish that I had read this book sooner in my journey. It would have helped me find ways past some areas in which I've been stuck. I'm putting the tools I learned to use, and moving past my stumbling blocks. I'm really excited, and I've recommended this book to so many people.
Whether you're a therapist, counselor, trauma survivor, or not, this book will help you move more quickly toward your goals and overcome stumbling blocks. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
I have been on my healing journey for three years, working to heal complex childhood trauma. I wish that I had read this book sooner in my journey. It would have helped me find ways past some areas in which I've been stuck. I'm putting the tools I learned to use, and moving past my stumbling blocks. I'm really excited, and I've recommended this book to so many people.
Whether you're a therapist, counselor, trauma survivor, or not, this book will help you move more quickly toward your goals and overcome stumbling blocks. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 7, 2025
What I love about Josh and Greg's book is the interactive nature of pulling you into the exercises. Even if you swim around the book based on what draws you in like one of the 8 beliefs, e.g."If at first I don't succeed, I must try something else" - or "assume good intentions" -- there are practical examples of how to apply what you're learning right away.
Read this while visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia. Seemed a perfect backdrop overlooking Old Town Dubrovnik with its history of war to contemplate how we can better communicate in the world we are living in today.
During these polarizing times, finding a way to talk to each other, the way to improve a relationship is one conversation at a time. Josh and Greg's book gave me hope and ideas to try.
And if you go to their website https://www.nlpdifference.com you can actually use AI to "Talk to the Book!" – first time I've ever experienced that! Kudos to Greg for setting me up.
Read this while visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia. Seemed a perfect backdrop overlooking Old Town Dubrovnik with its history of war to contemplate how we can better communicate in the world we are living in today.
During these polarizing times, finding a way to talk to each other, the way to improve a relationship is one conversation at a time. Josh and Greg's book gave me hope and ideas to try.
And if you go to their website https://www.nlpdifference.com you can actually use AI to "Talk to the Book!" – first time I've ever experienced that! Kudos to Greg for setting me up.
June 4, 2025
The Difference That Makes the Difference explores the science behind positive change through Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP). Davis and Promushkin provide an accessible and engaging explanation of NLP fundamentals while introducing additional methods that enhance its effectiveness.
The book delves into key concepts like reframing and modeling excellence, demonstrating how this behavioral science can improve communication and boost confidence. Backed by science and real-world examples, it offers valuable insights into understanding how we—and others—think. Whether you're new to NLP or looking to deepen your understanding, this book provides a practical and thought-provoking guide to mastering positive change.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Essentials for the advanced reader copy.
The book delves into key concepts like reframing and modeling excellence, demonstrating how this behavioral science can improve communication and boost confidence. Backed by science and real-world examples, it offers valuable insights into understanding how we—and others—think. Whether you're new to NLP or looking to deepen your understanding, this book provides a practical and thought-provoking guide to mastering positive change.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Essentials for the advanced reader copy.
June 26, 2025
Excellent and approachable. Really useful. Powerful stuff.
I love how this book is readable and makes it easy to apply the principles and techniques described. Also, the science behind these methods is explained rigoursly while also being clear and straightforward. (There are tons of references to the academic papers and other sources cited, if I want to do deeper research or see the original stuff.)
The book is practical and the tone is friendly and conversational. The tools and concepts described have down-to-earth examples and stories, too. That's maybe my favorite part – hearing how the techniques of NLP get put into action in everyday life.
I love how this book is readable and makes it easy to apply the principles and techniques described. Also, the science behind these methods is explained rigoursly while also being clear and straightforward. (There are tons of references to the academic papers and other sources cited, if I want to do deeper research or see the original stuff.)
The book is practical and the tone is friendly and conversational. The tools and concepts described have down-to-earth examples and stories, too. That's maybe my favorite part – hearing how the techniques of NLP get put into action in everyday life.
August 28, 2025
The Difference That Makes the Difference: NLP and the Science of Positive Change by Josh Davis; Greg Prosmushkin is a fantastic guide for anyone who wants to learn how to manage their brain better. Written for lay people, this book clearly explains what NLP is and how it works. I love the exercises in the book and the clear steps to take. The examples from home life and business only add to the depth of the book. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
July 21, 2025
Josh Davis takes complex concepts and breaks them down into easy-to-follow steps, empowering the reader to make impactful changes. A very valuable read!
September 7, 2025
Do not be afraid of making mistakes!
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