The Power of Habit

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

By: Charles Duhigg

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This instant classic explores how we can change our lives by changing our habits.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal • Financial Times

In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.

With a new Afterword by the author

“Sharp, provocative, and useful.”—Jim Collins

“Few [books] become essential manuals for business and living. The Power of Habit is an exception. Charles Duhigg not only explains how habits are formed but how to kick bad ones and hang on to the good.”—Financial Times

“A flat-out great read.”—David Allen, bestselling author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

“You’ll never look at yourself, your organization, or your world quite the same way.”—Daniel H. Pink, bestselling author of Drive and A Whole New Mind

“Entertaining . . . enjoyable . . . fascinating . . . a serious look at the science of habit formation and change.”—The New York Times Book Review

©2012 Charles Duhigg (P)2012 Random House, Inc.

great book

good lessons for those looking to change patterns of behavior in life and work. I recommend it.

Compelling and enlightening

This book is worth the read/listen. Well performed and consistent delivery. I'll never look at Target or Starbucks the same way again.

A great overview of habitual understanding.

It was like a specialty course of psychology. It ones in depth with many anecdotes explaining the research and application of habit science. The author even breaks it down at the end with a short guide of how to discover and overcome bad habits.

shift focus

I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to treat the cause of bad habits rather than the habits themselves. Extremely valuable resource.

Fascinating information --

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

The information provided in this book was extremely interesting and informative. I understand the purpose for many of the stories Duhigg uses to make his points; however, at times they stories can be a bit tedious. Despite this minor detail, I still enjoyed the book.

Helpful and specific. great examples

The book was specific about how to change or implement new habits. That's more than just saying habits are important. the examples served to show the powers of habits, the habit/nature of habits and how to manipulate them to our advantage. I do wish they spent more time on habit changing guidelines, more specifically habit forming guidelines. still they do more than most books.

Everyone should listen to this

What did you love best about The Power of Habit?

The content is amazing! I feel empowered and more introspective after listening to this book.

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

No, I would recommend listening to chunks in order to really digest the important information.

Great use of anecdotes!

It has really wonderful anecdotes on habits and habit changes. As well as marketing history. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book.

Good Book!

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

I mostly enjoyed the stories.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Angie Bachman, I found her story the most interesting of all.

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

He is a great narrator.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from The Power of Habit?

The confidence to be able to change any negative habits in my life.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book to anyone. Overall I believe there are many lessons to be learned from this book, and there are great real life stories.

Great Book!

This book is fascinating! I throughly enjoyed listening to it; it may not have gotten read otherwise. I'm excited to implement the principles outlined in the book.