Going the Distance: 7 Steps to Personal Change

William Glassman is a professor of psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical
University.

It is likely that few Canadians would fail to recognize Rick Hansen’s
name. As the central figure of the Man in Motion World Tour, he became a
symbol for human ability, rather than disability. His actions attracted
the attention of millions, including Joan Laub, a psychologist
interested in the study of the factors affecting personal change. Their
collaboration has produced a book that is part autobiography and part
motivational guide.

In a world crowded with motivational texts, one might well be tempted
to dismiss this book as yet one more pop guide. Yet the book is
entertaining as autobiography, and better than many as a self-help
guide. Hansen expresses himself candidly and engagingly, and his story
is inspirational without being overdone. The autobiographical aspects
are integrated into the text to illustrate some of the techniques for
change that are discussed. These techniques are structured as a
systematic framework for guiding personal change. Laub draws upon her
own research on motivation and personal development and that of others.
(Unfortunately, not a single reference is given, either to sources of
material or suggestions for further reading, which is disappointing and
somewhat limiting.) The overall result is a readable, nontechnical
account aimed at a general audience.

Life presents many challenges, and not all individuals face adversity
as well as Rick Hansen has. Yet it is the underlying message of this
book that every individual has the potential to become more effective in
dealing with the need for change in response to life’s challenges.
While there is no guarantee that the framework proposed in this book
will work for all readers, Going the Distance certainly captures
Hansen’s struggles, and successes, very well.