The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Businessby Charles DuhiggOn the best selling list for a while, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, is full of inspiring stories ranging from how Starbucks trains its servers to be happy employees to how Rosa Parks’ bus boycott ignited the civil rights movement. I couldn’t put this book down! It answered the question I was curious about – why Rosa Park’s bus boycott made more of an impact than the many other people who had committed similar acts of disobedience.  The answer is revealed as the book describes how habits work at the individual, organizational and societal level – which is the level where the Rosa Parks' story comes into place.  Also, Duhigg provides simple and powerful stories of how companies were made more successful, such as when new safety habits were established by the CEO of Alcoa, to using the science of habits to develop a healthier diet. The book even ends with a personal story of how Duhigg tried to stop himself from eating a donut everyday – thereby offering a step by step approach as to how to apply these ideas in real life. So, if you are looking to start new habits, influence your organization or make the world a better place – this book is for you!  I look forward to hearing your stories of you apply these ideas.