HUMS 201 – The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

1. What are the three parts of the habit loop? Give a real world example of a habit loop.”When a habit emerges, the brain stops fully participating in decision making (Duhigg, 2014).”What is the benefit to your brain of habit loops in everyday activities?

2. Describe the process of creating new habits using the examples of Pepsodent and Frebreze as presented in the book.

3. Explain the golden rule of habit change. Can you really get rid of bad habits completely? Give a brief description of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (Bill W. and Dr. Bob) and how AA attacks the habits of drinking alcohol.

4. Explain keystone habits.Why does certain habits like exercise, making your bed in the morning or scheduling your week lead to small wins?Do you do any of these things?

HUMS 201 – The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

5.How does the department store Target know your daughter is pregnant before you do based on changes in her purchasing habits?

6. Use the goal wheel provided below to analyze areas of your life that you would like to improve.Identify a less than helpful habit that that is hindering you in achieving a goal.Be specific about the cues, routines and reward that have kept the unhealthy habit in place.

7. Develop a behavior change plan based on what you have learned about the power of habits to replace this unhelpful habit with one that is more likely to help you achieve your goal.Again, be specific about changes in cues, routines and rewards.