Research Library
The scientists, experts, foundational books, and studies behind the tools on Kaizenly — so you can trace any framework back to the evidence and go deeper.
Personality & Self-Discovery
Experts & studies
ExpertPaul Costa & Robert McCraeDeveloped the Big Five / Five-Factor Model — the most empirically validated personality framework.
ExpertLewis GoldbergCoined 'the Big Five' and created the public IPIP item pool.
ExpertCarl JungPsychological Types (1921) — the introversion/extraversion concepts type frameworks draw on.
ExpertBrian LittlePersonality scientist; 'free traits' and personal projects (TED).
StudyValidation of the Five-Factor Model across instruments and observersMcCrae & Costa (1987)
Reading & tools
BookGifts DifferingIsabel Briggs MyersThe foundational text behind type-based personality work.
BookPersonality: What Makes You the Way You AreDaniel NettleAn accessible, evidence-based tour of the Big Five.
ToolVIA Character Strengths SurveyVIA InstituteFree, research-backed strengths assessment.Visit ↗ToolOpen-Source Big Five (IPIP-NEO)Truity / IPIPA free Big Five inventory built on the public IPIP item pool.
Mindset & Beliefs
Experts & studies
ExpertCarol DweckStanfordGrowth vs. fixed mindset; implicit theories of intelligence.
ExpertAaron T. BeckFounder of cognitive therapy; identified cognitive distortions.
ExpertAlbert EllisFounder of REBT — the A-B-C model of beliefs and consequences.
ExpertAlbert BanduraSelf-efficacy — belief in one's capability to act.
StudyA social-cognitive approach to motivation and personalityDweck & Leggett (1988)
Reading & tools
BookMindset: The New Psychology of SuccessCarol S. Dweck
BookFeeling GoodDavid D. BurnsThe classic CBT self-help book; cognitive distortions and thought records.
BookA Guide to Rational LivingAlbert Ellis & Robert HarperThe basis of REBT — disputing irrational beliefs.
Goals & Productivity
Experts & studies
ExpertEdwin Locke & Gary LathamGoal-Setting Theory — specific, challenging goals drive performance.
ExpertPeter GollwitzerImplementation intentions — 'if-then' plans that close the intention–action gap.
ExpertBJ FoggStanfordBehavior design (B=MAP) and Tiny Habits.
ExpertWendy WoodUSCThe science of how habits actually form and persist.
StudyBuilding a practically useful theory of goal settingLocke & Latham (2002)
Reading & tools
BookAtomic HabitsJames Clear
BookMeasure What MattersJohn DoerrThe book that popularized OKRs.
BookThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleStephen R. Covey
BookDeep WorkCal Newport
BookTiny HabitsBJ Fogg
Emotional Wellness
Experts & studies
ExpertMartin SeligmanU. PennFounder of positive psychology; learned optimism, PERMA.
ExpertRobert EmmonsUC DavisThe leading researcher on gratitude.
ExpertBarbara FredricksonBroaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.
ExpertKristin NeffPioneered the science of self-compassion.
StudyCounting blessings versus burdensEmmons & McCullough (2003)
Reading & tools
BookFlourishMartin SeligmanThe PERMA model of well-being.
BookThe How of HappinessSonja Lyubomirsky
BookSelf-CompassionKristin Neff
OrgGreater Good Science CenterUC BerkeleyResearch-based well-being practices.Visit ↗Decision-Making
Experts & studies
ExpertDaniel Kahneman & Amos TverskyProspect theory and the heuristics-and-biases program.
ExpertHerbert SimonBounded rationality and 'satisficing' (Nobel laureate).
ExpertGary KleinNaturalistic decision making; the pre-mortem technique.
StudyJudgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and BiasesTversky & Kahneman (1974)
Reading & tools
BookThinking, Fast and SlowDaniel Kahneman
BookDecisiveChip & Dan HeathA practical process (WRAP) for better decisions.
BookSources of PowerGary KleinHow experts really decide under pressure.
Financial Wellness
Experts & studies
ExpertRichard ThalerBehavioral economics; mental accounting, nudges (Nobel laureate).
ExpertShlomo BenartziSave More Tomorrow — using behavior design to lift savings rates.
ExpertMorgan HouselOn how behavior, not math, drives financial outcomes.
StudySave More Tomorrow: Using Behavioral Economics to Increase Employee SavingThaler & Benartzi (2004)
Reading & tools
BookThe Psychology of MoneyMorgan Housel
BookYour Money or Your LifeVicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
BookI Will Teach You to Be RichRamit Sethi
BookThe Total Money MakeoverDave RamseyPopularized the debt-snowball method.
Health & Fitness
Experts & studies
ExpertMatthew WalkerUC BerkeleySleep scientist; the role of sleep in health and performance.
ExpertKelly McGonigalStanfordHealth psychology; willpower, stress, and movement.
ExpertWendy WoodHabit formation applied to exercise and diet.
StudySleep duration and health outcomes (consensus statements)AASM & Sleep Research Society
Reading & tools
BookWhy We SleepMatthew Walker
BookOutlivePeter AttiaLongevity and the science of healthspan.
OrgPhysical Activity GuidelinesWHO / CDCEvidence-based movement targets.
Coaching Tools
Experts & studies
ExpertCarl RogersPerson-centered approach; unconditional positive regard.
ExpertSteve de Shazer & Insoo Kim BergSolution-focused brief therapy (the Miracle Question).
ExpertEdgar ScheinHumble Inquiry — the art of asking instead of telling.
ExpertTimothy GallweyThe Inner Game — a foundation of modern coaching.
Reading & tools
BookThe Coaching HabitMichael Bungay Stanier
BookCo-Active CoachingKimsey-House, Kimsey-House, Sandahl & Whitworth
BookCoaching for PerformanceSir John WhitmoreThe GROW model.
BookMotivational InterviewingMiller & Rollnick