The Power of Habit — Review & Summary (Charles Duhigg)
Overview
- Author: Charles Duhigg
- Published: 2012
- Genre: Psychology, Self‑Help
- Length: ~400 pages
- Language: English
Short Summary
Duhigg uncovers the habit loop—cue, routine, reward—and shows how to diagnose triggers, swap routines, and engineer keystone habits that cascade improvements. Stories span individuals, companies, and social movements.
Key Takeaways
- Identify the cue: Time, place, emotion, people, or preceding action.
- Keep the reward, change the routine: Replace the behavior that delivers the same payoff.
- Use implementation intentions: Plan the new routine precisely (“If X, then I will Y”).
- Keystone habits: Small wins (e.g., exercise) ripple into other domains.
- Belief and community: Support systems make change durable.
Notable Quotes
“Once you understand that habits can change, you have the freedom—and the responsibility—to remake them.”
“Change might not be fast and it isn’t always easy. But with time and effort, almost any habit can be reshaped.”
Who Should Read This Book?
Anyone seeking a practical framework to build good habits, break bad ones, and lead teams through culture change using keystone behaviors.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clear, memorable habit model.
- Mix of science and engaging stories.
- Actionable tools for real behavior change.
Cons:
- Some anecdotes verge on pop‑sci simplification.
- Less coverage of relapse prevention.
Final Verdict
A cornerstone habit book. Use it with tracking and identity‑based goals to rebuild routines that compound over time.
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