by Kaitlyn Chow
Summary
This self-help book basically discusses the scientific research done pertaining to people’s habits, such as why people do the things they do, and why people are able to do what they do. Examples include daily routines, such as brushing your teeth, and overeating. The book is split into three sections, the first part describing specific habits of certain individuals, the second part describing habits of successful organizations, and the third part describing the habits of societies.
Duhigg bases the entire book off of research and studies, and he ultimately comes to the conclusion that there are three parts to habits: a cue, a routine, and a reward. The book discusses certain individuals’ habits and the problems that were associated with them (e.g. alcoholism and overeating); Duhigg then further explains the ways that those individuals were able to change their habits to supposedly “better” ones (e.g. replace drinking with socializing with others and replace having a snack with socializing with coworkers). Specifically, he states that “to change a habit, you must keep the old cue, and deliver the old reward, but insert a new routine” (Duhigg, 2012, p. 62).
For instance, a man named Eugene Pauly suffered from encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain, which could create memory problems. According to research data and Duhigg, Pauly went out for a walk every single morning and always made it back home, yet he did not actually remember where he lived. From performed experiments and research, scientists were able to determine that Pauly’s brain had created such habits, therefore allowing him to do certain things without thinking.
The example of Eugene Pauly is only one out of the many examples Duhigg mentions throughout the book. Other examples include organizations such as Target and Alcoa and movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. Duhigg’s overall takeaway from these studies is that habits are the main source of our daily actions; habits are what help us get through our days without mental exhaustion, and they are what help companies and societies survive, too. All the examples mentioned in the book are referenced at the end of the book, and Duhigg also includes tips on how to actually apply the lessons learned to one’s life.
Do I Recommend This Book?
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, no matter if they are interested in self-help books or not. The first page of the book starts off with the example of Eugene Pauly, and the explanation and description that Duhigg provides instantly grabbed my attention and made me continue reading. I was never a big fan of reading before the past few months, but this has really grabbed my attention and made a big impact on my life.
It may seem boring to read about science and research in one’s spare time, but reading about something that could greatly impact your life is really rewarding. I have noticed many habits of mine and others while reading this book, and I learned many new things about habits and people’s actions along with information about the way some organizations have come to be and are sustaining today. I have learned about how Febreeze came to be, the history behind toothpaste and shampoo, and the way that Target runs its marketing system.
One part that really stood out to me was when Duhigg explains, “Typically, people who exercise, start eating better and becoming more productive at work. They smoke less and show more patience with colleagues and family. They use their credit cards less frequently and say they feel less stressed. Exercise is a keystone habit that triggers widespread change” (Duhigg, 2012, p. 109). I was amazed at how one habit in one’s life can greatly impact other parts of their life.
This book is definitely not just about habits themselves, although the main focus of this book is about habits. There is a lot of information that can be acquired through this book, so I definitely recommend it to everyone!
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg can be found on Kindle, Amazon, the library, websites like Libby, and also PDFs.
Overall Review: 9.5/10
Kepnes, M. (2015). My 12 recommended books for 2015 [Image]. Nomadic Matt. https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/recommended-books-2015/