Review: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Title: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
Author: Duhigg, Charles
Length: 400 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, Sociology
Publisher / Year: Random House / 2012
Source: At Book Expo America.
Rating: 4/5
Why I Read It: It sounded interesting, and useful.
Date Read: 12/07/12
How much conscious thought do you put into your day-to-day activities and actions? The truth, Duhigg shows us, is that we really think consciously about much less of what we do than we really think. A large part of our daily activities are driven by habit, which is both good and bad. The bad is the ways in which we can stick with bad habits, but on the good side – habits can be changed.
Duhigg begins by talking about how habits work and are created, the ways in which certain cues trigger us to anticipate rewards, and the ways that we can use these existing habits to form new, better habits. Discussed as well are the ways that certain keystone habits can have trickle down effects throughout your whole life. The second section in the book discusses habits within organizations, and the ways that organizational habits can be changed or improved. Certainly interesting to read here were the stories of different leaders and corporations who changed the habits in their organizations drastically. The last section discusses habits in societies and responsibility – this last chapter was really interesting as it laid out some of the ethical issues surrounding habits and how they make us act.
One interesting fact in the book was the discussion of willpower as a muscle. Duhigg talks about and references studies that have shown that the more we use our willpower through the day, the more likely we are to succumb to temptation later on. As any muscle, however, we can train our willpower through our habits in order to make better decisions despite obstacles. One interesting way this comes into play is through our opportunities and engagements – the more we are treated kindly or feel we have autonomy in our decisions and actions, for example at work, the easier it is to stay on track.
The topic is interesting and written about in such a way as to keep the reader engaged. As an investigative journalist, Duhigg has done the necessary research to lay out the newest discoveries around intricate processes inside our brain. Certainly well-researched, with an extensive Note section at the end, the studied discussed are all fascinating.
Recommended to all who like non-fiction, who want to improve their own habits, or who are interested in science and the brain.
I would have blown this book off if I hadn’t heard the author speak – I’m glad to know it’s engaging.
I don’t know that I would have picked it up either Kathy, but yes, it was really interesting!
I know for certain that most of my day is ruled by habit, and I often think about that when I seek to something out of the norm, and then change my mind at the last minute. This book sounds like it would perfectly explain why I sometimes just fall back into routine instead of doing something new, that would exert changes in my standard schedule. I am going to see if this can be had in audio. It sounds like a brilliant book!
Yes, think it might zibilee! And it should be really interesting on audio too!
I would have passed this book by if I hadn’t read your review. I even forwarded the link to my sister and niece. I am definitely ruled by habit most of the day. I do break out when I actually write down a ‘to do’ list and follow it. As for buinsess, I hate when someone says, ‘we’ve always done it this way’ well, perhaps it time for a change, since that status quo might not be effective any longer. Thanks for sharing your insights on this book.
Yes! Change can be a good thing Heather, but hard to do sometimes. I can’t recommend this one enough as an interesting and different read.
This actually sounds really interesting and also like one that my husband might like too. I also have a day that is ruled by habit, but they are habits I should certainly try and break out of sometimes.
Yep, I’m in the same boat Meghan!
I need to read this. I had it checked out of the library but didn’t get to it, so I’ll try again.
I had a Facebook conversation just yesterday about structural racism and how much of it is habit. I suspect it will come up in our book club meeting tomorrow night, too. I wasn’t sure where to go from there, but it sounds like this book might help move that conversation along.
We’re reading Searching for Whitopia by Rich Benjamin this week and considering Some of My Best Friends are Black by Tanner Colby for next year. They go at this structural racism in kind of parallel and opposite directions.
Then, on the personal side, I’m reading The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss and realizing how much of what I do is habit and that a lot of it isn’t moving me effectively toward what I want in my life.
Joy’s Book Blog
That sounds really interesting Joy, and great point. A lot of the prejudice people show is likely ingrained as habits. So now… how do we break them
Sounds like really interesting books you’re reading now!
Rebecca over at The Book Lady’s Blog just posted a review of David Allen’s Getting Things Done and mentioned that she had used that system along with Duhigg’s book. She said it packed a powerful punch.
So, two reviews on the same day – I think the universe is trying to tell me to read this book
I’m going to have to check out that review Debbie, also sounds like a useful book!
I gave this book to my dad because it is SO up his alley. He read it pretty quickly and told me he wants the whole family to read it.
He’s so funny. He’s been trying to break me of the disgusting habit of biting my fingernails (I know, gross), and he thinks this will work. I’m willing to try it.
Hmm… it might work Jenn! It was a really interesting book, that is pretty funny that he’s trying to get everyone to read it now. heh
An interesting and important topic to read about. I never thought of anything like organisational habit but now that you mention it I can see some of it in where I work. Again, the point on willpower is on point.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
It is willpower, and also in organizations it takes people really committed to changing things! You are most welcome Nana.
I have some bad habits that need breaking, good ones I want to keep and reinforce and of course far better habits that I need to develop. It is simply the willpower to train myself that mightily gets in the way. I love reading books like these because they explain most succinctly what is going on in my brain to reinforce my bad habits. Alas, I still lack willpower after reading them! Thanks for the review.
HAH! That is a great point Kinna, willpower even to read the books, hadn’t thought of that. I’m giggling now.