
a book
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
Charles Duhigg · 2012 · 371 pages
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • For anyone looking to rebuild old habits, form new ones, or start all over, this instant classic “masterfully combines cutting-edge research and captivating stories to reveal how habits shape our lives and how we can shape our habits” (Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive).
Named One of the Best Books of the Year by The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times
In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential.
At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.
Praise for The Power of Habit
“Sharp, provocative, and useful.”—Jim Collins
“Few [books] become essential manuals for business and living. The Power of Habit is an exception. Charles Duhigg not only explains how habits are formed but how to kick bad ones and hang on to the good.”—Financial Times
“A flat-out great read.”—David Allen, bestselling author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
“Entertaining . . . enjoyable . . . fascinating . . . a serious look at the science of habit formation and change.”—The New York Times Book Review
recommended by 29 people
sourced from public statements

Max Levchin
“This month I finally got to reading The Power of Habit, a book published a few years ago that compiles a bunch of great academic neuroscience and applied psychology research on habit formation. It includes clear reporting and interviewing work by its author, Charles Duhigg, whose day job is reporting for The New York Times. The book uses the now-standard formula of beginning each chapter with an anecdote that’s later substantiated by research, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting (or useful). Plus, the bits detailing Paul O’Neill’s transformation of Alcoa are priceless reading for a CEO trying to build a mission-driven company.”↗

Fareed Zakaria
“Here’s something lighter — ideas you can use! Duhigg’s examination of how people get caught in loops of frequently counterproductive behavior is entertaining and can help you develop good habits. Who doesn’t need that?”↗

Scott Adams
“Persuasion Reading List.”↗

Fedor Holz
“Book #2 8/10 Explains the cue-routine-reward loop of habits (focus on routine). Helps reflecting. Willpower is a resource. Nice examples.”↗

Ryan Foland
“@Beam626 @cduhigg Totally. But this book has opened up my eyes that we do thinga out of habit, that sometimes we don't realize. Realizing this is powerful.”↗

Jake Parker
“@Gromy16 same with the book on Habits.”↗
Vladimer Botsvadze
“Some of my favorite business books, comment one book that changed your life”↗
Heidi N. Moore
“@TheBasisPoint @cduhigg I loved that book too!”↗


















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