Kelly McGonigal

Kelly McGonigal is an influential author and lecturer who champions the power of mind over matter. Her work promotes optimism, resilience, and the use of mental models to navigate the world around us. She is the author of several best-selling books, including “The Willpower Instinct” and “The Upside of Stress.” Alongside her books, McGonigal is renowned for her TED talks and her expansive body of research in the fields of positive psychology and neuroscience. Her insightful take on the science of embodied behavior and emotion has inspired a generation of people to take a closer look into their lives and relationships.

McGonigal began her career as a lecturer and researcher at Stanford University, where she taught “The Science of Willpower”—one of the first courses on willpower ever offered at the university. Here, McGonigal explored how to better use the power of our conscious and unconscious minds to reinforce everyday success and achievement. After experiencing great success in her teachings, McGonigal penned her 2012 book “The Willpower Instinct.” In the book, McGonigal outlines her comprehensive approach to strengthening our willpower and achieving our goals. In McGonigal’s words, “willpower is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.” The book received international critical acclaim and remained on the bestseller list for two years.

In her subsequent work, McGonigal shifted her focus away from the individual’s capacity to grow and opted to explore the collective strength of human connection and the power of facing adversity. In her 2014 book “The Upside of Stress,” McGonigal examines how stress can actually be beneficial when it is properly managed. Through her extensive research and findings, McGonigal highlights how to turn a potentially harmful emotion into a powerful source of motivation and opportunity. Though the book addresses the power of stress in individual lives, it is believed that the book's impact was also felt on a broader level. In McGonigal’s own words, “We all have stress, and our ability to overcome it distinguishes us from all other species.”

The core of McGonigal’s work lies in her use of both traditional psychology and neuroscience. She combines these two fields of study in order to refine our understanding of how we think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. McGonigal has become an advocator of self-care and practices what she preaches. She utilizes methods such as meditation and physical activity to care for her own mind and body. McGonigal’s approach empowers others to take charge of their own lives, recognize their stressors, and use mental and physical tools to promote a healthy and meaningful life.

Beyond her work in the scientific community, McGonigal has also become a celebrated lecturer and sought-after public speaker. Her scope of topics range from personal growth to mental resilience. McGonigal has spoken at a variety of international institutions and events, including TED, Google, and the United Nations.

Kelly McGonigal is an essential leader in the science of mind and behavior. Her tireless research, chases after knowledge, and embracing of the collective power of human mind have made her one of today’s most inspiring and thought-provoking authors. Though her work has impacted multiple facets of human life, McGonigal’s focus on the importance of self-care and inner growth shines through every aspect of her life’s pursuit.