Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter Summary

Triggers explores how environmental and psychological factors derail behavior, offering strategies to overcome them. Marshall Goldsmith introduces daily self-monitoring via “active questions” to foster lasting change by focusing on effort, not outcomes. The book combines leadership insights with practical tools, emphasizing accountability in personal and professional growth.

Professionals seeking behavioral change, leaders aiming to improve team dynamics, and individuals interested in self-improvement will benefit. The book targets those committed to actionable strategies, explicitly excluding those resistant to change (“successful adults won’t change unless they want to”).

Yes, for its actionable frameworks like active questions and AIWATT. Reviews praise its blend of executive coaching wisdom and relatable anecdotes, though some note the daily discipline required. It’s ideal for readers valuing structure over abstract theory.

• Active Questions: Daily self-assessment prompts like “Did I do my best to…” focusing on effort.
• AIWATT: A decision-making filter (“Am I Willing And Tired To…”) to pause before reacting.
• The Circle of Engagement: Environment, beliefs, and behavior interconnectedness.

Goldsmith identifies belief triggers (e.g., “I don’t have time”) that sabotage change. By reframing these mental barriers through self-questioning, individuals take ownership of their responses.

Triggers are external cues (people, events) prompting automatic reactions. They’re neutral—productive or counterproductive based on response. Example: A critical colleague triggering defensiveness vs. curiosity.

Unlike habit-forming guides, Triggers emphasizes daily environmental awareness and instant course correction. The “magic bullet” is relentless self-monitoring, not willpower alone.

Some note the simplicity of active questions risks underestimating deeper psychological barriers. Others highlight the challenge of maintaining daily discipline long-term.

While Atomic Habits focuses on incremental routines, Triggers targets immediate environmental influences. The books complement each other—habits build systems; triggers demand real-time accountability.

Yes. Examples include:

• Using AIWATT to manage confrontational meetings.
• Applying active questions to improve team communication.

• “We are superior planners and inferior doers”: Highlights the gap between intention and action.
• “No one gets a life with no triggers”: Stresses universal challenges in behavioral change.

Daily prompts include:

1. “Did I do my best to set clear goals?”
2. “...make progress toward goals?”
3. “...be happy?”
4. “...find meaning?”
5. “...build relationships?”
6. “...stay engaged?”

By treating change as a daily practice, not a one-time goal. The book argues sustained self-awareness—not motivation—drives lasting improvement.