The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do and How to Change

by Charles Duhigg

William James wrote in 1892.2 Most of the choices we make each day may feel like the products of well-considered decision making, but they’re not. They’re habits.

the way we organize our thoughts and work routines have enormous impacts on our health, productivity, financial security, and happiness.

more than 40 percent of the actions people performed each day weren’t actual decisions, but habits.

Habits, scientists say, emerge because the brain is constantly looking for ways to save effort.

You Can’t Extinguish a Bad Habit, You Can Only Change It.

Self-discipline has a bigger effect on academic performance than does intellectual talent.”

as their willpower muscles strengthened, good habits seemed to spill over into other parts of their lives.

“And I really, genuinely believe that if you tell people that they have what it takes to succeed, they’ll prove you right.”