Rate: 5/5
Medium: Audiobook
Overview (No Spoilers):
Have you ever read a book and could have sworn you’d read it before? I experienced this feeling throughout The Power of the Habit. Within the first chapter I even stopped and searched my blog to see if I’d happened to pick up this book a second time. I was relieved when I solved the mystery. This was actually my second book by Duhigg, having read Smarter Faster Better years ago. Perhaps the similarities could be tied to stories being repackaged or the writing itself being comparable enough to give me nostalgia for a book I’d previously enjoyed. Regardless, this feeling of familiarity was no deterrent as I couldn’t put down The Power of the Habit. I found myself thoroughly engrossed and assessing my own ingrained habits with every turn of the page.
Duhigg packed scientific literature into every aspect of The Power of Habit. The chemist in me was utterly delighted and fascinated by not only learning how our habits form but also (to steal from the title) just how powerful they can be. I loved learning about the scientific studies that investigates this topic, reveling in the clever study designs. Duhigg has me a little worried about my parenting though as I’m very loose with bedtimes and other important habit teaching aspects of childhood. That said, perhaps a reread is in order so I can keep pondering how to shape my four and almost two year old by teaching them early habits to set them up for success. Needless to say, our bedtime rituals have already shifted after reading this book
As an avid sports fan, I also enjoyed seeing how habits are tied into champions at the elite level. The sports interviews that Duhigg conducted, focused on Michael Phelps and his training, along with Tony Dungy and his coaching philosophy. Each example looked at habits in sports in a totally structured way that was immensely satisfying. When I learned to pitch as a senior in high school, my pitching coach often talked about habits from a patience standpoint. Specifically, that it took 18 times to make something a habit. It’s a little more complex than that but it keeps you moving forward through the difficult learning stage.
Seriously though, I have never dedicated specific time to analyzing habits in this context or scientifically before. I’ve found it has made me more aware of my own tendencies and identifying them for what they are. Habits. I can’t help but place significant value in a read that so inspires you to look deeply at how you conduct your own life.
Overall, The Power of the Habit is a fantastic read for anyone who is curious as to the scientific study of how and why we fall into habits for better or worse.
The Critiquing Chemist 