The
Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg thoroughly explains the scientific reasoning
behind habits. As individuals, we encompass both good and bad habits. Duhigg
uses each chapter to emphasize the various aspects of habit that we encounter
by using unique true accounts of individual’s lives. From addictions, such as
gambling or drinking, to routine behaviors, like depression and laziness, he
clearly defines how to intervene and redefine your life. Most interestingly, he
specifies how willpower plays a significant role in breaking a habit. The
research presented shows that willpower is actually a muscle that grows
stronger the more we condition it. By educating the reader on how the brain
actually works, he in turn, teaches the reader to understand how to recognize
and overcome their own habits.
All
habits follow the same cycle: cue, routine, reward. Most habits repeat this
cycle around a particular craving. For instance with cigarettes, Duhigg
explains that our bodies trigger a craving, then we cue the behavior, perhaps
after finishing a meal, engage in the behavior, smoke the cigarette, then take
pleasure in the reward, basking in the relaxation that the nicotine has
provided. Each habit that is formed follows these precise steps. Through
replacing the routine and/or reward, individuals are able to reprogram their
brains and develop new habits. Integrating a new habit such as exercise into
your life can have a domino effect into other areas of your life. Research
indicates that exercise habits have a direct influence on eating, discipline,
sleep, and other areas of one’s life. All in all, we are capable of changing
any area of our lives if it means enough to us.
My favorite
part of the book was the chapter on Starbuck Corp. because of the direct
influence they provide in their employees lives. Not only do they offer tuition
assistance and free gym memberships, they focus on building upon each
individual’s character. For instance, one employee of Starbucks grew up with
two drug addicted parents and zero structure. He struggled with his temper,
social interactions, self-discipline, getting an education, and many other areas
of life. This man slowly began to change as he started going through the
training processes at Starbucks. One particular model they use is “LATTE: Listen
to the customer, acknowledge their complaint, take action by solving the
problem, thank them, and then explain why the problem occurred (Duhigg, 2014) .” They use this as
well as many other models to teach employees how to deal with different
situations that may arise so that they are prepared when the time comes.
Research proves that if someone has planned for future events, they are more
likely to react appropriately if and when the situation should actually occur.
Today, that young man makes $44,000/yr. and is the manager of two stores.
Relatively,
this employee was able to learn how to control his impulsivity and ultimately
gain self-control. Through each of the training courses he was given the tools
to implement restraint when a hot tempered customer went off on him. With each
situation, he exercised his willpower and it grew strong enough to gain him
recognition and provide him with the skill set for managing two stores. We
learned this semester that impulsiveness is heightened sensitivity to drug
effects and low awareness of negative drug consequences. The young Starbucks
employee could be considered impulsive as he dropped out of high school, was
unable to maintain a job and considered the use of drugs when he couldn’t control
his emotions. Fortunately, he found Starbucks in enough time that I believe it not
only saved his life but he also became a productive member of society.
As
time continues, technology evolves and our problems progress. Below is a
picture of me putting my cell phone in the trunk of my car. This concept is definitely
not new by any means; however, through reading this book, I’ve come to realize
a few things. I have a problem with texting and driving. Honestly, whether you’re
stopped at a red light or cruising down the freeway, the temptation is always
there. After reading "The Power of Habit" I can now identify my triggers and can
implement a way to change my habit. The cue is hearing a text message sound, my
anxiety goes up and I start thinking about whom it could be and if it is an
emergency. Then the routine, I read the text and respond. Followed, by the
reward of feeling at ease because I know everything is okay. Through putting
the phone in the trunk, I eliminate not only the cue, but also the chance of
ever being distracted behind the wheel.
This
book has the potential to change anyone’s life. The power ultimately lies in
the individual. If they are not motivated to make a change then they will fail.
However, learning the key elements of what comprises a habit can assist them in
taking the first meaningful step. “Each day in the United States, more than 9
people are killed and more than 1,060 people are injured in crashes that are
reported to involve a distracted driver (CDC, 2014) .” Now, think of nine
people you know and write down their names. Then ask yourself, is the risk
worth their life?
References
CDC. (2014, January 28). CDC. Retrieved August
9, 2014, from Injury Prevention & Control: Motor Vehicle Safety:
http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/
Duhigg, C. (2014). The Power of Habit. New York: The
Random House Publishing Group.
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