The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life And In Business by Charles Duhigg
I first heard about this book through Shay Carl, of Shaytards fame, when he announced in one of his YouTube videos that him and his wife Colette would be starting a book club on their channels "When The Kids Go To Sleep." It was available free for all their viewers who wanted to participate on Audible.com/shaytards. I first checked the library I work at to see if we had it, but it was checked out with a long hold list, which made me know it was going to be a good read, so I downloaded it free on Audible. I've since listened to it in the past week or two on my morning walks with the baby I take care of.
The book is very scientific, but also very interesting and informative. It begins with talking about certain people and the way their brains are wired with their habits, referred to as the habit loop. Duhigg uses proof from studies to teach readers how to develop new habits, change bad habits, and all the transformation that occurs between the two. The book continues on to talk about successful organizations, such as Target and Starbucks, and how they use data of people's habits to be successful. This is the section of the book I found the most interesting! The third part of the book talks about the habits of society, famous movements, free will, and people's responsibility over their habits.
I found the book to be highly relatable, especially because of the personal endeavor I'm on after reading Gretchen Rubin's book "The Happiness Project." It has taught me ways to change bad habits and replace them with good habits. It has encouraged me to exercise more and eat better, even though that's not what the book is focused on. The research and examples sprinkled throughout the book helped me to look at myself in a different light. I could only imagine the impact it would have on someone who runs their own business! Duhigg's "Cue, Routine, Reward" habit loop challenged me to look at my own habits, and reroute the way I worked.
Two of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Change might not always be fast and it isn't always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped."
"This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be."
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone! It WILL change your daily life. If you are interested on getting it for free, head on over
HERE!
