In September, I posted a review of the Power of Habit by my friend Don. We both really enjoyed the book and loved the idea that you can take control of your habits. This idea is EVERYWHERE as people resolve to change their habits with New Year’s Resolutions.
Charles Duhigg, the author of The Power of Habit contacted me (!!!) He said, “I was writing to say thanks for mentioning the book on your site earlier this year, and to ask: the paperback of The Power of Habit is coming out on January 7; can I send you a review copy?” Well, yes! Of course. I will do him one better, since I have already read the book and have a copy, I will give away this copy to one of my readers.
He went on to say:
“The idea behind releasing the paperback in January is there might be a bunch of people who are interested in changing their habits in the New Year. For instance, studies indicate that if you want to develop a running habit in 2014, you should choose a cue like putting your running shoes next to your bed every morning. And then, give yourself a reward – like a piece of chocolate – when you get home from jogging. That way, the cue and the reward become neurologically intertwined. Eventually, when your brain sees your sneakers, it starts craving the reward, and that makes it easier to hit the pavement each day. And in a couple of weeks, you won’t need the treat anymore – your brain will come to see the workout as a reward itself.”
As a quick set up, The Power of Habit looks at the research (and personal examples) behind our habits. It seeks to explain why humans have habits and how they are reinforced and can be altered. This book is a quick read and the examples and illustrations are really engaging and interesting. Duhigg explains not only the research on individuals’ habits but also organizational behavior in companies. Some examples are in labs, some are in homes and some are in companies. A core argument in the book is that, “The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, raising exceptional children, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is understanding how habits work.”
The examples that have gotten the most play are the ones of the stories from Target Stores. My favorite parts are the ALCOA stories, the stories of the brain injured man and the practical habit dissecting and tips for understanding our own habits.
This video of the author is really helpful to understanding the premise and tone of the book:
There is also a great interview of Charles Duhigg with Jonathan Field’s Good Life Project HERE.
Want to win a copy of The Power of Habit? Tell me in the comments what habit you would most like to stop or start in the new year? Want an extra entry? Share this post and tell me in a separate comment where you shared it. I will select a winner using random.org (comments on this post will be numbered from 1 in the order they were received.) Winner will be selected and notified via email on Monday 1/13.
It is FREEZING here in Chicago! I hope you are happy and toasty warm wherever you are!