In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg, explores, through scientific research and the stories of successful individuals, organizations and societies, how we form habits and how they can be changed.   With what could have been dry material, this award-winning business reporter for the New York Times is able to inspire with examples of how Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and former NFL Head Coach Tony Dungy used their belief in the power of habit to reverse their teams’ downward spiral.

Duhigg first introduces us to “the habit loop”, his scheme for how a habit is initiated, the routine that follows, and the reward that seals the deal.  He offers repetition, as well as other factors, for how these actions become habit.  However, as he goes on to share some truly fascinating case histories and advertising “secrets”, you will discover that something more is needed to cement these habits into our psyche.  Oh no, you won’t find any spoilers here!

Duhigg believes:

“We can choose our habits, once we know how.  Any of them can be changed, if you understand how they function.” 

Just think of the numerous coaching possibilities were we to delve deeper into our clients’ habits to determine how and why they developed, and whether or not they are useful or detrimental, the latter of which we could then help them work toward changing!

It might prove interesting to observe our own daily rituals and think about how we developed them.  Are they serving us or holding us back?  If you should try this and/or follow the book’s guide for implementing Duhigg’s ideas, we’d love to hear about your experience!

For more about Charles Duhigg and The Power of Habit, check out the author’s website:  www.charlesduhigg.com