Like New Condition Habits are the invisible architecture of daily life. We repeat about 40% of our behavior almost daily, so if we change our habits, we change our lives. But that observation just raises the question: “Okay, how do I change my habits?” Alas, no magic, one-size-fits-all solution exists—you must know yourself, and choose the strategies that work for you. It turns out that it’s not hard to change your habits, if you know what to do. With her signature mix of rigorous research, easy humor, and personal experimentation, New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin identifies the 21 habit-change strategies that will help every reader to create the habits that will transform their lives. In a book that’s bursting with big, provocative ideas, Rubin shows readers how to find what works for them, even if they’ve failed before. Along the way, Rubin uses herself as guinea pig, tests her theories on family and friends, and answers readers’ most pressing questions—oddly, questions that other writers and researchers tend to ignore: Why do I find it tough to create a habit for something I love to do? Sometimes I can change a habit overnight, and sometimes I can’t change a habit, no matter how hard I try. Why? I want to help someone else make a change. But how? Why do practically all dieters gain the weight back—plus more? How quickly can I change a habit? How can I get myself to stick to a new habit? Do the same strategies work for shaping simple habits (like wearing a seat belt) work for complex habits (like drinking less)? Why can I make time for everyone else, but can’t make time for myself? Whether readers want to get more sleep, eat more healthfully, stop checking their phone, or finish a project, habits make change possible. It takes work to make a habit, but once that habit is set, we can harness the energy of habits to build happier, stronger, more productive lives.

ISBN: 9780385348614