Friday, April 28, 2017

Book 43: The Power of Habit

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg attempts to explain why habits exist and how we can change old habits or establish new ones.  Every habit can be broken into three parts: a cue, a trigger, and a reward.  To change a previous habit, he recommends four steps (which are most clearly explained in the appendix for some reason).

1. Identify the routine.  (What are you doing that you want to change?)
2.  Determine what reward you are seeking (A sugar rush, more energy, a feeling of accomplishment, socialization, etc.). For this step try changing the routine, then write down the first three things that pop in your mind.  After trying several different routines determine what reward you are seeking.
3.  Isolate the cue.  Keep track of your location, the time, emotional state, other people, and the immediately preceding action.  The consistent one will be the cue.
4.  Have a plan.  Determine what your new routine will be and put it into practice.

To establish a new routine determine the cue, habit, and reward.  In order for the habit to take hold, the reward needs to be something that you will crave.  Having a belief that it is possible to change is also a critical component.

Duhigg looks at different types of habits from individual to corporate to social.  I found the stories interesting and well told.  If anything it was a little light on the how to change or establish a habit.  Much of the information above was found in an appendix at the end of the book.



No comments:

Post a Comment