The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change

By: Charles Duhigg

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

There's never been a better time to set new habits. This book will change your life.

Why do we do develop habits? And how can we change them?

We can always change. In The Power of Habit, award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg translates cutting-edge behavioural science into practical self-improvement action, distilling advanced neuroscience into fascinating narratives of transformation.

Why can some people and companies change overnight and some stay stuck in their old ruts? The answer lies deep in the human brain, and The Power of Habits reveals the secret pressure points that can change a life. From Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps to Martin Luther King Jr., from the CEO of Starbucks to the locker rooms of the NFL, Duhigg explores the incredible results of keystone habits and how they can make all the difference between billions and millions, failure and success – or even life and death.

The Power of Habit makes an exhilarating case: the key to almost any door in life is instilling the right habit. From exercise to weight loss, child-rearing to productivity, market disruption to social revolution and above all success, the right habits can change everything.

Habits aren't destiny. They’re science, one which can transform our businesses, our communities and our lives.

©2012 Charles Duhigg (P)2012 Random House Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"It’s a fascinating insight into making and breaking habits and offers practical advice, funny stories and critical thinking." ( Press Association)

Good insight into how we can use habits to our adv

What made the experience of listening to The Power of Habit the most enjoyable?

What makes this book so enjoyable is the range of examples. The examples in the book range from personal life to the corporate fabric and shows how the change in habits in these wide range of examples causes such a massive impact in each case.

The book emphases on the change in habits rather than changing the habits itself. as it illustrates that changing habits is much easier than changing the habits itself.

It breaks the habits in 3 parts. 1. Trigger2. Routine3. Desired outcome

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book made me introspect into my own habits and see where are the routine changes required. Immensely helpful in creating marketing strategy for my own social enterprise.

Essential reading for ... everyone

If you could sum up The Power of Habit in three words, what would they be?

How to change

Who was your favorite character and why?

EP. The realisation that habits are performed without the brain, or at least memory and reason, being involved, is scary! EP encouraged me to get my whole brain involved in every moment of my life.

What does Mike Chamberlain bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good intonation, good pace, calming tones when appropriate but also voice variation and excitement at the right moments. Well read, sir.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

Habits can be changed by getting your brain involved. Understand the interaction between cue, craving, routine and reward. Well explained and illustrated.

Any additional comments?

I wish I had read (or listened to) this book long ago. I recommend this rather highly to parents, grandparents, managers, leaders, coaches, spouses. Actually, to everyone interested in living a purposeful life.

Interesting and entertaining listen

Would you listen to The Power of Habit again? Why?

Yes, in the future. Not something you need to return to in a hurry.

What other book might you compare The Power of Habit to and why?

N/A

Which scene was your favorite?

N/A

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

Great delivery and interesting content. Worth a listen.

I want more

Where does The Power of Habit rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it is probably in the top 10%

Any additional comments?

The book is such a tease!! hold on, it is probably not fair to say that. the book is really valuable it offers great insight into the mind and how it works, into how habits form. but I need more.

1) there is so much around us that take advantage of how habits form, in a way that is sometimes (in my view) unethical. it makes me question a lot of the marketing that takes place. also made me wonder who has access to my habits and how do they use it. SCARY

2) the book offers no recipe for change. it tells you change is possible, it tells you the ingredients of the habit which can be potentially used for affecting change but it still leaves you wondering how to portion out the ingredients. not intentionally but just because of the nature of habit and the nature of individuals and how divers they are. it makes me want more.

Get to understand how important habbits are

Great stiries about how important habbits are, and let you discover and change your own. it's most focused on others habbits problem and don't give does direct things to do, if you looking for that listen to Tony Robbins on youtube or his personal power 2

Reading a second time

Gives much needed perspective. I recommend it to anyone interested in lasting change of habits

Interesting

Makes you rethink of simple things around you !! Easygoing, a practical advice on how to change your habit loop using a plan

Iceberg of human behaviour

This book really helped me understand the Iceberg of human behaviour by taking me to the depths of what is behind the habits and how we are in a way slaves of it. And most importantly, how we can change our habits to the ones that we really desire. The author brings diverse examples that are gripping. Amazing and most rewarding read!

Amazing

I really enjoyed this book! it's very scientific with a very nice storytelling. this book changed my mind about habits.

Valuable! Thank you.

Fantastic content. I can't recommend it enough. This content, put into practice, have such great potential to improve one's life and that of their family and friends. Thank you Mr Duhigg, the fantastic narrator and the publisher's.