top of page

Book Review: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg


The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

As someone who works in user experience design I'm always interested in learning more about the inner workings of human behavior. Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit looks at human behavior and the profound impact habits have on our day to day lives, our consumer habits and our organizational cultures. In this insightful book, Duhigg explores the science behind habit formation and provides valuable insights on how to harness the power of habits to create positive change on both the personal and professional level.



Synopsis


In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg examines the mechanics of habit formation and the deep-rooted influence habits have on our daily lives. The book investigates the neurological processes behind habit loops and showcases how individuals, organizations, and societies can leverage this knowledge to drive transformational change. From personal habits to organizational routines, Duhigg offers concrete examples, interesting case studies and tangible strategies for taking control of our habits and seizing the power they hold.


"Habits are not destiny. They can be ignored, changed, or replaced. But the reason the discovery of the habit loop is so important is that this loop can be changed."

By understanding the habit loop and making intentional choices, we can break free from negative habits and instill positive ones that align with our goals.



Personal Opinion


As someone with a keen interest in both psychology and personal development, I found The Power of Habit to be an engaging exploration of the intricacies of human behavior. Duhigg masterfully blends scientific research, compelling anecdotes, and practical insights to shed light on the profound impact of habit in our lives.


What particularly fascinated me about this book was Duhigg's exploration of habits at the organizational level. The concept of a "keystone habit" and the domino effect it can have on transforming entire organizations is something incredibly valuable to recognize for those of us working in organizational transformation. Duhigg's case studies and real-life examples serve as a roadmap for implementing large-scale change, indicating that when we understand and target key habits, we can catalyze significant shifts within organizations.


Pg Takeaway:

This book will greatly benefit professionals in leadership roles, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in making substantial changes in their personal or professional life. By dissecting the components of habits and providing actionable strategies, Duhigg equips readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to break free from unhelpful patterns and cultivate new behaviors that align with their aspirations.


Overall, The Power of Habit is an intriguing and insightful exploration of human behavior made into an enjoyable read via the stories Duhigg uses to illustrate his points.


Comments


Hello - you’re welcome here. Are you new?

Thanks for subscribing!

If you're curious about what we're all about, let us introduce ourselves. We're Permission Granted (pg for short). At pg, we believe that you are uniquely positioned to grant yourself permission to embrace your true potential. We aim to serve as a catalyst for self-discovery, providing customized resources and valuable tools drawn from our own experiences and leading practice.

Our blog is for anyone who believes in their ability to create positive change, who wants to invest in personal or professional growth, or are looking for a supportive and uplifting community. Whether you're a young professional navigating the complexities of your career, a newcomer seeking a new community, or a seasoned pro looking to stay sharp, our blog offers something pragmatic and purpose-driven for everyone. 

Subscribe using the form below to receive updates - you’re in control. We value your time and your data, so rest assured, you’ll only get emails from us when we publish a blog or periodically when we have anything exciting to announce and you can unsubscribe anytime.

bottom of page