This article is part of an Alumni series exploring key lessons from classic books—timeless works that continue to offer valuable insights. Whether you’re revisiting a familiar favourite or discovering these ideas for the first time, we’ll uncover practical wisdom that remains relevant today.
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg was published in 2012 and dives into the science behind how we form habits and reveals how understanding these habits can lead to significant personal and professional change.
Ever find yourself automatically reaching for your phone, even when you don’t consciously intend to? Or effortlessly following your morning routine without a second thought? These are habits, the automatic behaviours that (often unconsciously) shape our daily lives. In the book, Charles Duhigg explores the science behind habits, revealing how they work and how we can change them. Understanding these principles can be a game-changer for personal and professional growth.
The Habit Loop
Duhigg introduces the concept of the “habit loop”, a three-part cycle consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward. The cue triggers the behaviour, the routine is the behaviour itself, and the reward reinforces the habit.
Think about your morning coffee. The feeling of tiredness or the smell of brewing coffee might be your cue. The routine is the act of making and drinking the coffee. The reward? That invigorating caffeine boost and the comforting taste.
Understanding this loop is the first step towards taking control of your habits.
So, how can you apply this knowledge to improve your life? Here are some key takeaways from “The Power of Habit” that you can put into practice:
Become Aware of Your Habits
Start by simply noticing your routines. What triggers your behaviours? What rewards do you get from them? Try keeping a quick journal for a few days, noting your actions, cues, and rewards. This awareness is vital for identifying the good habits you want to maintain and the less helpful ones you’d like to change.
Change Bad Habits
Breaking bad habits is rarely about willpower alone. Instead, Duhigg suggests focusing on replacing the routine while keeping the same cue and reward. For example, if you find yourself snacking on unhealthy food in the evening because you’re bored (cue) and seeking a temporary feeling of satisfaction (reward), try replacing the unhealthy snack with a healthier alternative or a different activity altogether, like reading a book or going for a walk. The goal is to achieve a similar reward (relaxation, enjoyment) while changing the negative routine.
Build Good Habits
Creating positive habits involves establishing clear cues and rewarding yourself for desired behaviours. Want to start exercising regularly? Set a specific time each day (the cue), go for a run or hit the gym (the routine), and then reward yourself with something you enjoy, like listening to your favourite music or taking a relaxing bath (the reward). Consistency is key, so start small and gradually build up the intensity and duration of your new habit.
Believe in the Power of Change
Belief plays a significant role in habit formation. Surrounding yourself with supportive people or joining a group with similar goals can reinforce your efforts and increase your chances of success. A “habit buddy” can provide encouragement and accountability, making the change process more manageable and enjoyable.
Habits are powerful forces in our lives but not set in stone! By understanding the principles outlined in “The Power of Habit,” the author suggests that we can gain control of our behaviours, replace negative routines with positive ones, and ultimately unlock our full potential.
Which, we would have to agree, sounds quite appealing!
If you want to buy the book, you can find it here.