In my opinion, the best part of the book is the detailed description of the way habits work. The habit loop is a three-step process: (1) There is a cue, which is a trigger for an automatic behavior to occur. (2) There is a routine, which is the behavior itself. (3) There is a reward, which tells our brain whether we should store this habit for future use or not.
I loved the description of the way habits work, because once you understand the process, you can create good habits intentionally by changing the cue, the routine, or the reward.
For example, when I started getting up at 5:00 a.m. to go to the gym, the cue was crucial. I laid out all of my work-out gear the night before, down to my socks, heart rate monitor, and the elastic band for my hair. When the alarm went off the following morning, and I saw everything neatly stacked by the bed, it seemed ridiculous not to go.
One of the most important concepts in the book is that of keystone habits. Keystone habits are like good habits on steroids, because they create other good habits.
Keystone habits have three characteristics:
1. They give us a sense of accomplishment or a “small win.”
2. They cause other good habits to develop.
3. They create a whole new mindset.
Examples of Keystone Habits
1. Exercising regularly – It is correlated with better diet, better mood, less stress, more confidence, and better sleep.
2. Daily meditation – It is correlated with increased memory and awareness, reduced stress and anxiety, and increased goal-setting.
3. Making your bed every morning – It is correlated with increased productivity, greater sense of well-being, and better budgeting skills. Bed makers are also more likely to enjoy their jobs, own a home, and exercise regularly.
This book is great! If you haven’t read it yet, check it out!