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 Difference That Makes the Difference is a practical and empowering guide to creating meaningful change using the principles of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and modern behavioral science. Drawing from the authors’ diverse backgrounds—Greg Prosmushkin’s real-world application in law and entrepreneurship, and Josh Davis’s academic expertise in psychology and neuroscience—the book demystifies NLP and presents it as a powerful toolkit for improving communication, boosting confidence, and taking control of personal and professional growth. The authors do a strong job of making complex concepts approachable and actionable, making this a valuable read for anyone seeking concrete strategies for self-improvement.
Rated four stars, this book offers readers a motivating roadmap for change, supported by science and real-world examples. While some parts may feel overly promotional or simplified for those already familiar with NLP, its accessibility and clarity make it an ideal starting point for newcomers. The Difference That Makes the Difference encourages readers to stop waiting for transformation and start actively creating it—one mindset shift and skill at a time

"The Difference That Makes the Difference" is an incredibly informative and insightful book that manages to take a complex and nuanced technique—rooted in neuroscience, psychology, or high-performance behavior—and make it remarkably approachable for readers at all levels. Davis and Prosmushkin have a talent for breaking down sophisticated ideas into digestible, actionable steps, making this a rare kind of guide that is both intellectually enriching and practical.

The book includes many real-world examples. The authors don’t just explain theory—they show how it applies in everyday life, from workplace productivity to personal decision-making. These examples make the content relatable and help the reader see exactly how to integrate the principles into their own routines and challenges.

Ultimately, this is an enormously helpful book. Whether you’re looking to improve your focus, make better decisions, or simply understand how small shifts in behavior can lead to big outcomes, "The Difference That Makes the Difference" offers a roadmap worth exploring. I highly recommend it to anyone instead in learning about this technique.

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 David 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 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.

Food, fat, and flavor start with the same letter for a reason. I'm deeply anti-diet. This book crystalizes my objections to the diet industry's be-afraid-of-your-food message, its relentless focus on women and the concomitant relentless bombardment of negativity about appearance, or more stealthily but with the same objective, relentless "health" messaging that is anything but healthy.

The author is a social-media Force. She's got followers in droves...legions...and she's been giving this very practical method to get yourself into a healthy, sustainable pattern of eating the food you enjoy for a while now. I hadn't heard of her because I'm not all that interested in diets except to belittle and insult the anti-food goblins that perpetrate and perpetuate the anti-food messaging that damages so many people.

What else can I say? If you think you need a diet book, you really need this book. Skip the "one weird trick" fads, spend your time and your treasure here. Author Soto is Cicero to the Br'er Rabbits that abound in this space. She spends a deal of her page-count telling stories about those who've used her method...CHULA, explained above...to mend their fractured relationship to food. There's a lot of informative and explanatory text, so it's not just a paper version of an infomercial; the aim was to recreate her social-media presence's warm, approachable presentation of self. I found it effective, and agreeable, where I expected to feel it was kinda cringe.

*I*, a certifiable curmudgeon with a long-standing hatred of the dietmongers, am rating this book 5 stars and recommending it to people who think they need to diet. Push a pin in that idea until you've read this book.

If you want to be a leader and make a difference you need to be able to communicate, and be able to make a difference in the lives of people around you!

Two topics I loved in this book. Understanding how others think and how to change someone’s mind. I read smarter faster stronger by Charles Duhigg I have lived this concept. I allow you to make better decisions. Looking at the perception of others can give you a look at their perspective. You can go into the conversation and meet them where they are. This can allow you to lead them rather than try and get them to follow you.