Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don't, and How to Make Any Change Stick

Written by Jeremy Dean

Narrated by Sean Pratt

Say you want to start going to the gym or practicing a musical instrument. How long should it take before you stop having to force it and start doing it automatically?

The surprising answers are found in Making Habits, Breaking Habits, a leading psychologist's popular examination of one of the most powerful and underappreciated processes in the brain. Although people like to think that they are in control, the vast majority of human behavior occurs without any decision-making or conscious thought.

Drawing on hundreds of fascinating studies, psychologist Jeremy Dean busts the myths to finally explain why seemingly easy habits, like eating an apple a day, can be surprisingly difficult to form, and how to take charge of your brain's natural “autopilot” to make any change stick.

Witty and intriguing, Making Habits, Breaking Habits shows how behavior occurs more than just a product of what you think. It is possible to bend your habits to your will-and be happier, more creative, and more productive.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ascent Audio
• Release date: Dec 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469086217

Reviews for Making Habits, Breaking Habits

[konastories · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Joy's review: the sub-title "Why We Do Things, Why We Don't, and How to Make Any Change Stick" basically describes what this book is about. Dean presents useful psychological studies related to how we acquire and how we can change habits. Good to read before and while attempting to change any habit.

[piggelin_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you ever wonder why you fail implementing a new habit - this is the book for you. If you are looking for a more realistic and substantial approach than a 21-days-change-any-habit-cure - this is the book for you. We all have habits - good or bad.The book takes you through both the making and breaking of habits supported with examples from various scientific studies (all thoroughly referenced). It explains why it may be difficult to change or stop an old habit alternatively add a new habit, and it describes different tools/ways helpful making the change reality. The book was written in an easy going manner i.e. you don't have to be a psychology student to benefit from it. This is a book that will definitely stay on my mind for a while. It has already made me start thinking of which habits I have and which I want to have - and how to go about it.

[susanbeamon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Part science book, part self-help, this volume examines habits. We only pay attention to habits when we call them "bad" and want to change them. We couldn't live without our habits. They make life easier and more regular. The myth that we can change a habit or get rid of one in 21 days is examined (It isn't true). The parts that "willpower" and mindfulness play in forming our habits is also studied. There is a lot of current brain and mind study results included. I like science and learning about the world. This book is very interesting.