The Power of Habit: Why
We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
The
Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg is an enlightening book that can not only be
used for personal gain, but also for shaping businesses, social movements, and
even governments. This book is centered around the quote, “habits can be
changed if we understand how they work”. It explains how a habit is formed, the
impact a habit has, why habits exist, and how habits can be changed. It also
details the massive potential habit carries to transform human nature. By
harnessing the power of habit, Duhigg promises, we can transform our
businesses, our communities, and our lives.
Habits
would not exist if it were not for a specific part of the brain called the
basil ganglia. Scientific research on this has revolutionized our understanding
of habits and how they are formed. The term “Habit Loop” is the process by
which habits are formed. It is extremely simple in that it only has three
steps: cue, routine, and reward. Forming a habit starts with the brain being
cued by something, like smelling a cookie. This cue proceeds to send the brain
into a routine, like going out to buy a cookie. This routine results in a
reward, like eating the cookie. The reward part of the Habit Loop determines if
a habit is worth remembering for later use. By following this routine of indulging
in unhealthy snacks, it may eventually result in weight gain and the formation
of a bad habit. Although the basil ganglia is very intricate, it still cannot
understand the difference between a good habit and a bad habit, hence why we
are able to form bad habits.
Habits
derive their strength from cravings, a need or want for something. These
cravings are the reason why the idea of a Habit Loop is so relevant today. With
every craving comes a reward, if that
craving is indulged, that is. Duhigg applies this idea to personal develop and
the marketplace. In order to have a successful business, one must understand
the correct rewards for cravings. Cinnabon, for instance, places their stores
strategically in malls so that the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafts
throughout the hallways. The same thing goes for personal development. To kick
a bad habit, this same understanding of rewards and cravings still applies. The
only difference is a new routine must also be made. By indulging a craving with
a reward, a person is giving into their habit and making it stronger. That
person should instead attempt to understand the reasoning behind that specific
craving. Until the ability to understand why they are craving something is
unlocked, their habits will continue to control them. After identifying the
reasoning behind their craving, they must then believe change can take place.
Belief is as close as it comes to a guaranteed bad habit eliminator. It is the
main focus in many organizations, like Alcoholics Anonymous, simply because it
instills the idea that change is possible, and bad habits can be overcome if
one simply just believes.
I
came across this video while researching for this project. The man in it talks
about the five lessons he has learned from this book, as well as further
explaining certain parts of it. He only talks about it for three and a half
minutes, so it is really easy to follow and take time to understand what he is saying. He goes over some
parts of the book that I did not touch on, as well as examples in his personal life that he connects with the
lessons he has learned.
Comments:
http://cophilosophy.blogspot.com/2017/04/section-8-installment-1-alyssa-davis.html
Comments:
http://cophilosophy.blogspot.com/2017/04/section-8-installment-1-alyssa-davis.html
Habits are a crazy thing if you think about it because they seem to be something you really can't help but do but in reality you just need to be strong enough mentally to break though it. Both eating and sleeping habits are the two biggest habits to fight because they both are things we do everyday, so if we don't have time it is easy to slip up.
ReplyDeleteSection 8- Commentary
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I thought that your installment was a great read. I enjoyed how you related philosophy back to biology to prove your points. I think it is great to know that help can be obtained in a "Habit Loop" if the reward system is replaced with something more beneficial. My only problem with your installment is that I would have liked to see more links backing up this argument. I think that I would have definitely liked to read more about the psychology behind the reward system or something similar to that.
Nice, you anticipated my closing "advice" about the importance of forming positive daily habits and sticking to them.
ReplyDeleteTHe great historical resource on the power of habit is in James's "Principles of Psychology," and in "Talks to Teachers": https://www.uky.edu/~eushe2/Pajares/tt8.html
A breezier recent discussion is here: https://www.brainpickings.org/2012/09/25/william-james-on-habit/
Section 8- Commentary
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated in the idea of habits and how they're formed.
You went into enough depth of the concept of habits to where it was easy to follow, but not too much to where there was an overwhelming amount of information thrown out.
Your post definitely has my attention with the topic to where I might actually read the book to learn more. Also, the video worked well with your installment.