The Power of Habit examines behaviors you may not even know you have and hands you the tools to make lasting change at home, at work and in your community… if you want it.
“Each chapter revolves around a central argument: Habits can be changed, if we understand how they work.” prologue xvii
First, author Charles Duhigg goes into what makes a habit at the biological level.
“Habits, scientists say, emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort. Left to its own devices, the brain will try to make almost any routine into a habit, because habits allow our minds to ramp down more often.” pgs 17-18
Duhigg describes how the brain creates a “habit loop” through cues, routines and rewards. These three elements feed on themselves until an ingrained habit is made. And, once it is there, it takes very little to upkeep.
That’s good news and bad news, because it works the same way for healthy and unhealthy habits.
“But the reason the discovery of the habit loop is so important is that it reveals a basic truth: When a habit emerges, the brain stops fully participating in decision making.” pg 20
The “golden rule” for changing a habit, Duhigg says, is to keep the same cues and rewards, but change the routine that leads to them. It sounds simple, but everyone is different with different motivations. So, it takes a bit of self awareness to discover what those unique cues and rewards are for you. But, once you know your triggers and motivations, that’s when the fun begins of crafting a new routine.
I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. It’s also making me question the habits I’ve picked up in my own life. Am I certain that they are ones I want to continue? I can think of a few that could use a bit of tweaking. And now I know how.
“This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.” pg 271
Let’s cultivate the good ones then.
Thanks for reading!
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