Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of "The Power of Habit," joins the discussion on making habits stick. He highlights the importance of understanding cues, behaviors, and rewards in habit formation. Duhigg illustrates this with relatable examples, such as breaking the coffee habit and conquering sugar cravings. He emphasizes the need for self-awareness and emotional recognition when making changes, and introduces practical exercises like the three Fs to help listeners differentiate between physical and emotional hunger.
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Habit Formation
Focus on cues and rewards when building new habits, not just the behavior itself.
As habits mature, adjust cues and rewards to maintain motivation and prevent habit crumbling.
insights INSIGHT
The Habit Loop
Habits rely on cues, behaviors, and rewards; the reward is crucial, even if unconscious.
Brains receive small reward sensations even for automatic habits, highlighting the importance of rewards in habit maintenance.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Dr. Chatterjee's Journaling Habit
Dr. Chatterjee journals every morning as part of a larger routine cued by time and place.
His reward is a cup of coffee, enjoyed while journaling, which contributes to a sense of purpose.
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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].
We can all make short-term changes, but so many of us struggle to make our new desired behaviours last.
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 bookThe Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg. In this clip, we discuss why it is that so many of us struggle to make our new desired behaviours stick, and Charles shares some great tips to help build better habits.
Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/436
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.
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