The Power Of Habit "BOOK REVIEW"

The power of habit explains what an important role habits play in our lives, whether they are good ones or bad ones. Filled with research based findings and examples of people who changed their habits knowingly or unknowingly.

The book not only explains how habits are formed, it also provides tips on how to change our habits, both on an individual and an organizational level.

•  Habits are simple cue – routine- reward loops.

For example 

  If you are angry or depressed then you drink, after a drink you feel relaxed or you feel happy. 

Here 

The Cue is : Anger, depression and anxiety 

The Routine is : Drinking 

The Reward is : you feel relaxed, you fell happy 

•  Habits stick because they create carving. 

For example 

During 19th century when very few people used to maintain their oral hygiene, a company called pepsodent made an advertisement. 

Which goes like this 

There are  thin-film( yellow layer)  on teeth. 

If you brush with pepsodent then you will have shining new teeth.

Here 

Cue is thin film on teeth 

Routine is Brushing the teeth

Reward is  shining new teeth 

•  To change an habit, find out the cue. Then keep cue and reward same but change the routine.

For example 

If you are angry or depressed instead of drinking, talk to friend, go for a movie etc

Here 

Cue is anger,  depression 

Routine is talk to a friend, go for a movie, walk etc 

Reward is you feel relaxed and you fell happy.

•  Change can be achieved by focusing on keystone habits and achieving small wins.

• will power is the most important keystone habit.