When I picked up The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, I honestly thought it would be another motivational book full of common advice. But within a few chapters, I realized this book is much deeper. It doesnt just tell you what to change it shows you how habits actually work, and why changing them can change your entire life.
Duhigg starts with a simple but powerful idea: every habit has a cue, routine, and reward. It sounds basic, but once you start noticing this in your own life from the way you scroll your phone, to how you react to stress its eye-opening. The best part is that the author doesnt talk like a preacher. He tells real stories from Olympic athletes to corporate managers, from smokers to homemakers showing how habits shape every part of who we are.
What I liked most is how scientific and practical the book feels at the same time. It blends psychology, neuroscience, and storytelling so smoothly that even a non-science reader can understand it. The examples of companies like Starbucks and organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous make it relatable and realistic.
But this book isnt only about success. Its about self-awareness. You start catching yourself doing things automatically eating when bored, checking your phone without reason, or delaying important work and suddenly realize that habits, not motivation, run most of your life.
However, its not a perfect book. Some parts feel long and repetitive, especially when Duhigg moves from personal habits to corporate or social ones. The second half drifts a bit from self-improvement into case studies that might not interest every reader. But the message remains strong: if you understand your habits, you can reshape your life.
Positives:
Simple yet powerful concept of cueroutinereward
Real-life examples that make psychology easy to grasp
Inspiring without being preachy
Encourages lasting self-awareness and growth
Negatives:
Some chapters feel stretched with too many examples
Focus shifts more to organizations in the latter half
Requires patience to finish if you prefer short, direct books
By the end, The Power of Habit made me realize how much of my life is built on small, invisible patterns. Its not a book you just read its one that changes how you think about yourself every day.
A smart, practical, and eye-opening guide that helps you understand why you do what you do and how to finally take control of it.