Some books entertain you. Others challenge your thinking. But now and then, one hits you in the gut—in the best way possible. For me, that book was The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.
I picked it up, hoping to improve my productivity and eliminate a bad habit. What I didn’t expect was a complete mindset shift. This book didn’t just explain habits—it helped me understand why I do what I do and, more importantly, how to control it.
Table of Contents
Nine lessons from The Power of Habit that genuinely changed the way I live:
1. Habits Run the Show (Even When We Don’t Realize It)
One of the most surprising insights from ‘The Power of Habit’ is that many of our daily actions occur automatically without us thinking about them. For example, I realised that I constantly checked my phone every ten minutes or snacked out of boredom, not because I wanted to, but because it had become a habit. Once I recognised these patterns in my behaviour, I stopped being hard on myself and began to explore why I was doing these things. That change in perspective gave me much more understanding and kindness towards myself.
2. The Habit Loop: Cue, Routine, Reward
This idea of habit loop became an essential part of my change. Duhigg explains that habits have three parts: cue, routine, and reward. I began applying this model to everything—from my morning phone scrolling to my evening cravings. I realised it wasn’t the routine that mattered—it was the reward I was trying to get. Changing the routines but keeping the reward made the change easier, not hard.
3. Keystone Habits = Domino Effect
One idea in The Power of Habit transformed everything: keystone habits. These are habits that unintentionally spark improvements in other areas. For me, waking up early in the morning was that one habit. Once I nailed that, exercising, journaling, and reading more became easier. It was like setting off a chain reaction that made life feel lighter and more aligned.
4. You Can’t Erase a Habit—But You Can Rewrite It
This concept truly changed the way I think about breaking bad habits. I believed the only way to eliminate a bad habit was to stop it completely. But Duhigg points out an important fact: habits don’t disappear; they hide and can return later. The key is not to fight the habit but to change the routine that goes with it. Instead of binge-eating late at night, I replaced that with listening to a podcast.
I still feel the same cue of winding down at the end of the day and getting the same reward of relaxation, but now I choose a healthier and more enjoyable option.
5. Belief Is the Real Engine
The Power of Habit isn’t just about behaviour—it’s about belief. And I didn’t start changing until I believed I could. That belief was easier to build when I had people around me who were also growing. Whether through a reading club or just talking to friends about our habits, the shared accountability fueled my efforts.
6. Willpower Can Be Grown—Like a Muscle
This idea made me feel much better. Willpower isn’t a fixed trait you are born with. It’s like a muscle: it can get tired but also become stronger. I learned to stop wasting energy on small choices—like what to wear or what to eat—so I could save my willpower for essential moments.They save my willpower for moments that mattered.
7. Goals Are Great—But Systems Are Better
Before reading The Power of Habit, I was obsessed with goals: finish 10 books, lose 5kg, save X amount. But every time I hit a goal, I’d fall off track. The book nudged me toward something more sustainable: systems. I started focusing on daily actions instead of results. Reading 10 pages a day became my goal. It was simple, repeatable, and eventually life-changing.
8. Habits Are Contagious—Choose Who You Catch Them From
Charles Duhigg highlights the power of social habits in the book. We mirror the people we spend time with. I started noticing that when I hung around driven, intentional people, I became more focused too. My energy dropped when I spent too much time with those stuck in cycles of procrastination or negativity. So, I became intentional with my circle. That single decision helped me build better habits without even trying.
9. Awareness Is Everything
The final lesson I take from The Power of Habit is simple: awareness is the first step to change. Most of my bad habits didn’t feel bad—they felt invisible. However, I could prepare better responses once I noticed my cues (stress, boredom, and fatigue). It’s not about being perfect; it’s about recognising the moment and making different choices.
Life Beyond the Book
What makes The Power of Habit special is that its lessons stay with you after you finish reading. They influence your daily life, such as your morning routines, interactions with others, and work habits. The lessons remind you when you might fall back into old habits and give you helpful tips to make positive changes without feeling embarrassed.
Today, my life still has messy moments. I don’t always follow the perfect routine. But now, I understand why I do what I do. And that understanding gives me the power to shift when I need to. I’ve become more patient, curious about my actions, and hopeful about the kind of person I’m becoming.
Because the truth is, real change doesn’t come from one huge decision. It comes from dozens of small, quiet ones, made consistently.
Final Thoughts about The Power of Habit
If you feel trapped in your routines or not living up to your full potential, I highly recommend ‘The Power of Habit’. It serves as a mirror, a map, and a method. More importantly, it reminds you that you can shape your story—one habit at a time.
Let the Power of Habit do its work. I promise it’s worth it.