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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick
Making Habits, Breaking Habits by Jeremy Dean explores the science of habit-forming and provides evidence-based techniques for creating new habits and breaking old ones. It highlights how habits shape our daily lives and offers actionable advice for changing them.
What happens when someone throws a ball to you? In all likelihood, you catch it before you consciously realize what’s going on. This is a habit – an action repeated so frequently that it’s done unconsciously.
This first aspect of a habit involves automaticity, that is, not being aware of the execution of a given action, such as flicking on a light while entering a room.
Also, since repetition decreases enthusiasm, the act of performing habits is emotionless.
Consider your morning routine: Does it conjure up strong emotions for you? Or imagine looking out upon a mountain range for hours from your office window every single day. It’s wonderful and breathtaking at first, but, over time, the pleasure of seeing it greatly decreases.
In addition to automaticity, context also defines habits because of the associations you form between your surroundings and your behavior. Remember what it was like to be a student? The freedom of almost zero obligations and the beers you enjoyed with your friends? You may well connect the pleasures of socializing with the habit of drinking alcohol because of these early experiences, so now every time you socialize, you want to drink a beer.
But how are habits actually formed? Take a look at the following:
First, intentions create habits. For example, you want to have healthy, white teeth, so you start brushing them regularly.
Another way habits are formed is through explaining random past behavior by adding an intention later on. Say you always sit in the same place in your friend’s kitchen because it was the only free spot when you first visited her. Now, however, you tell yourself it’s your favorite place because the light is just right and the chair is comfy.
Finally, you can combine both the intention and explanation behind your habits. Perhaps you started biking to work because you were dieting, but you continue doing it because you enjoy being out in the fresh air.
Making Habits, Breaking Habits (2013) provides an overview of exactly what habits are and how we form them. Using this knowledge, it reveals how to create healthy habits and tackle the bad ones so that we can experience lasting, positive change in our everyday lives.
Making Habits, Breaking Habits (2013) explores the science behind habits and provides practical strategies for transforming them. Here's why this book is worth reading:
Awareness of the power of the unconscious to guide and change our thinking and behaviour is the first step to change.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
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Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get startedBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Making Habits, Breaking Habits?
The main message of Making Habits, Breaking Habits is that understanding how habits work can empower us to make positive changes in our lives.
How long does it take to read Making Habits, Breaking Habits?
The reading time for Making Habits, Breaking Habits varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Making Habits, Breaking Habits a good book? Is it worth reading?
Making Habits, Breaking Habits is a valuable read. It offers practical insights and strategies to help us understand and change our habits for the better.
Who is the author of Making Habits, Breaking Habits?
The author of Making Habits, Breaking Habits is Jeremy Dean.