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runjnee's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable book. Not a scientific breakdown but more of an anecdotal analysis, full of stories that were very engrossing.
lilliana_blackstar's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Very interesting, informative. A collection of anecdotes relating to research and science behind habits and addiction. Not really a "how to" kind of self help book, but more focused on helping you understand how habits are formed. A very good book and I think there are important concepts here that everyone benefits from knowing.
One complaint -
Would be nice to have a trigger warning at one of the last chapters, goes into some detail on violent actions. While I can see the correlation with discussion of habits and impulse control, a warning for the subject matter would have been nice.
One complaint -
Would be nice to have a trigger warning at one of the last chapters, goes into some detail on violent actions. While I can see the correlation with discussion of habits and impulse control, a warning for the subject matter would have been nice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Rape, Dementia, Medical trauma, and Murder
bibilly's review against another edition
3.5
more like a complementary reading to Atomic Habits, as it explains how habits work neurologically, than an actual guide, even though it was published first (or perhaps because of it). paused it many times to read and do other things, but three ideas stuck with me. first, the concept of keystone habits (like that one action you repeat every morning and defines your whole day), which create a positive domino effect when controlled. thus, instead of obsessing over every behavior you want to change, you might find it easier to focus on those basic habits that directly influence the course of your day and night. secondly, the fact habits aren't directly related to or do not depend on memory, so that even amnesiacs can build complex ones. finally, the golden rule of habit change: bad habits can't be extinguished, only transformed. using the same cue and providing the same reward, you can change the routine or sequence of behaviors that links them, but this link will always be ingrained in your brain. these three factors explain why I hardly go about my day as planned the night before, and why, on the other hand, I need chains of habits and borderline obsessive rituals to properly function. as a pathological anxious and sleep deprived person, with an undiagnosed executive dysfunction, I could never rely on my memory or attention span, much less outside help, thorough my life. for that reason, I'm always taking notes, setting reminders and trying new routines, while fighting the cues to my many bad habits and getting depressed over my depressive cravings. so the good news is that memory isn't everything. the bad is that I'm a little too compulsive.
xtinaji's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars! I did become more mindful of my habits/willpower while reading this book, but there’s really nothing too insightful. Each chapter dives into a different utility/facet of habit depending on the scenario, but it does feel a bit repetitive. Regardless, the book is well organized with multiple examples of habits playing crucial roles in our lives as individuals, corporations, and as a society.
lavendermarch's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this up on a whim because a family member had it, but I ended up really enjoying it! It was excellent at compellingly illustrating complex scientific discourse through real-life stories. It helped me both better understand the concepts presented, as well as more fully connect with Duhigg's ideas. I also appreciated the variety of the stories, since they showed how actionable the personal habits and company routines were for many people. The cue-routine-reward format was very well-presented and made a lot of sense. I really enjoyed learning more about the science around habit formation and habit alternation/replacement. I'm excited to apply the cue-routine-reward format to changing some of my bad habits and adding in new habits, although I'll of course take it slow and do one at a time. Anyway, I highly recommend this book! Very well written, interesting, and compelling. 5 stars.
heysunbee's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0