The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An interesting if slightly unsatisfying read. The author explores what habits are, how they form and how they can be modified. The author defines a behavioural cycle consisting of a Cue, a Routine and a Payoff – all of which constitute a Habit. Using this cycle as a framework the author explores how individuals and organisations big and small form habits and how one could modify a potentially toxic habit.
The book has many interesting anecdotes and the author offers examples as diverse as the marketing of Pepsodent toothpaste and the evolution of the Civil Rights movement in America to explain how habits are formed and how they can be manipulated. This is not a self help book and is more like a popular science book and should be read as such. The book comes with copious notes and the clear “self help” section is relegated to an appendix.
I found this book an easy and rewarding read. I wish the author would have focused more on individual habits and perhaps less on anecdotes. I would still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about what makes us tick as well as those who are looking for some “management” tips.