Book and Learning Circles

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Atomic Habits [Book Circle]

By James Clear
In this book circle we will discuss key guidance from the bestselling book Atomic Habits by James Clear. The book provides practical, clear, and actionable strategies for creating systems that will help you break bad habits and develop lasting and resilient new ones. Use the advice from this book to jumpstart your own positive habit formation!

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• Facilitators: Jeff Williams, Employee and Organization Development
  
• Time and Date: November 28 - December 12 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  
• Location: Zoom
  

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3 Rules for Better Work-Life Balance [Learning Circle]

By Ashley Whillans
Have you answered a work email during an important family event? Or taken a call from your boss while on vacation? According to behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor Ashley Whillans, an "always-on" work culture is not only ruining our personal wellbeing - but our work, as well. She shares which bad habits are stopping us from getting what we need out of our free time and three practical steps for setting boundaries that stick. Join this learning circle to connect and share your thoughts on Whillans' 3 rules and other strategies for achieving work-life balance.

• Facilitators: Dani Gaeta, Employee and Organization Development
  
• Time and Date: January 09 | 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
  
• Location: Zoom
  

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The Art of Frugal Hedonism: A Guide to Spending Less While Enjoying Everything More [Book Circle]

By Annie Raser-Rowland and Adam Grubb

Raser-Rowland and Grubb offer a refreshing and unconventional approach to living a more enjoyable and fulfilling life by combining frugality and hedonism. The authors argue that modern society's consumerism has contributed to people working longer hours, accumulating more possessions, and ultimately sacrificing their happiness and wellbeing in the process. They offer a compelling case for a more fulfilling and sustainable way of life that can be achieved by embracing frugality and simplicity, while still enjoying the pleasures and joys of life. The book offers practical tips, including strategies for reducing expenses, simplifying daily routines, and prioritizing experiences over possessions. The authors also explore the psychology behind consumerism and provide insights into how our mindset and values shape our spending habits. Readers are encouraged to rethink their relationship with money and consumption. What better time than now, with inflation on the rise, to learn how to, not only manage your spending, but invest in your wellbeing.

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• Facilitators: Dani Gaeta, Employee and Organization Development
  
• Time and Date: January 17 - February 07 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  
• Location: Zoom
  

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The Power of Vulnerability [Learning Circle]

By Brené Brown
Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, humorous talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston who studies courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, and has authored several books including Daring Greatly, and Dare to Lead. Join us as we view the recorded TedTalk then engage in rich discussion about her research findings, our personal takeaways, and what we can bring to Cal Poly.

• Facilitators: Lanaya Gaberel, Employee and Organization Development
  
• Time and Date: January 18 | 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
  
• Location: Zoom
  

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Daring Greatly [Book Circle]

By Brené Brown
Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, LMSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen.

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• Facilitators: Lanaya Gaberel, Employee and Organization Development
  
• Time and Date: February 15 - February 29 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  
• Location: Zoom
  

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The Power of Habit [Learning Circle]

By Charles Duhigg

In this ingenious talk, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Charles Duhigg seamlessly combines informational facts from research, anecdotes from real events, and personal experience with insightful observations to explain why human behaviors are compelled by habit. Citing research evidence supporting the positive effects of willpower on long-term decision-making, Duhigg encourages listeners to teach willpower by supporting the mindful contemplation of consequences and resisting impulses that otherwise result in persistent habits.

• Facilitators: Jeff Williams, Employee and Organization Development
  
• Time and Date: February 27 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  
• Location: Zoom
  

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Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things [Book Circle]

By Adam Grant
Imagine if you could peel back the layers of what you believe about talent and success to reveal a whole new paradigm—one that empowers every individual to reach for the extraordinary. Discover the secrets to unlocking your true potential with our Book Circle featuring "Hidden Potential," a revolutionary guide that weaves together groundbreaking evidence, surprising insights, and vivid storytelling. Adam Grant shows us that progress depends less on how hard you work than how well you learn. Growth is not about the genius you possess—it's about the character you develop. Grant explores how to design systems that create opportunities for those who have been underrated and overlooked. Whether you're looking to break barriers, inspire change, or simply find a more joyful path to progress, "Hidden Potential" is your gateway to a new world of possibilities.

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• Facilitators: Jeff Williams, Employee and Organization Development
  
• Time and Date: March 07 - March 21 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  
• Location: Zoom
  

The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) also hosts book circles each quarter and you can learn more about their offerings by selecting “Book Circles” on their Programs and Services webpage at: https://ctlt.calpoly.edu/programs-services.