Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for his seminal work The Power of Habit, dives into the intricate psychology of habit formation. He reveals how small wins can create powerful momentum, making new habits stick. The conversation highlights the importance of keystone habits and offers practical strategies for overcoming ingrained bad habits. By understanding the roles of cues, behaviors, and rewards, listeners learn how to transform their routines and enhance their well-being with manageable changes.
20:12
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Habit Components
Every habit has three components: a cue, the behavior itself, and a reward.
Understanding the reward, like a craving for self-soothing, helps find alternative behaviors.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Cookie Craving
Charles Duhigg craved a cookie every afternoon while working at the New York Times.
He realized the reward wasn't the cookie itself, but the social interaction with colleagues.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Find the True Reward
Don't assume the obvious craving (like chocolate) is the true reward.
Experiment with alternative rewards to uncover the real driver of your behavior.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In this book, Charles Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and change. He explains the 'habit loop' consisting of a cue, a routine, and a reward, and how understanding this loop can help in changing bad habits or forming good ones. The book includes numerous examples from various fields, such as how Procter & Gamble successfully marketed Febreze, how Alcoa transformed its business by focusing on safety, and how individuals like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and civil-rights hero Martin Luther King, Jr. benefited from specific habits. Duhigg argues that by harnessing this science, individuals and organizations can transform their lives and businesses[2][4][5].
Are you constantly trying to create better habits and quit those that don’t serve you?
Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests.
Today’s clip is from episode 436 of the podcast with Pulitzer Prize winner and author of international bestselling book, The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg.
We can all make short-term changes, but so many of us struggle to make our new desired behaviours last.
In this clip, we discuss the science of small wins, the power of momentum and the importance of keystone habits. This conversation is packed with practical tips to help you build better habits.
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee 
