Better than before

Summary: Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives. Rubin provides an analytical and scientific framework from which to understand these habits -- as well as change them for good. Infused with her compelling voice and funny stories, she illustrates the core principles of habit formation with dozens of strategies that she uses herself and tests out on others. Rubin provides tools to help readers better understand themselves, and presents a clear, practical menu of strategies so readers can take an individualized approach. She tackles each strategy herself and in doing so shows us the importance of knowing ourselves and our own habit tendencies. Armed with self-knowledge, we can pursue habits in ways that will truly work for us, not against us. Going to the gym can be as easy, effortless, and automatic as putting on a seatbelt. We can file expense reports, take time for fun, or pass up that piece of carrot cake without having to decide. With a foundation of good habits, we can build a life that reflects our values and goals.

Record details

ISBN: 9780385348621 (ebook)
ISBN: 0385348614 (hardcover)
ISBN: 9780385348614 (hardcover)
Physical Description: xii, 298 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
print
Edition: First edition.
Publisher: New York : Crown Publishers, [2015]
Copyright: ©2015

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes index and bibliographical references (pages 279-298).

Formatted Contents Note:

Decide not to decide -- Self-knowledge. The fateful tendencies we bring into the world: The four tendencies ; Different solutions for different people: Distinctions -- Pillars of habits. We manage what we monitor: Monitoring ; First things first: Foundation ; If it's on the calendar, it happens: Scheduling ; Someone's watching: Accountability -- The best time to begin. It's enough to begin: First steps ; Temporary becomes permanent: Clean slate ; Data point of one: Lightning bolt -- Desire, ease, and excuses. Free from french fries: Abstaining ; It's hard to make things easier: Convenience ; Change my surroundings, not myself: Inconvenience ; A stumble may prevent a fall: Safeguards ; Nothing stays in Vegas: Loophole-spotting ; Wait fifteen minutes: Distraction ; No finish line: Reward ; Just because: Treats ; Sitting is the new smoking: Pairing -- Unique, just like everyone else. Choose my bale of hay: Clarity ; I'm the fussy one: Identity ; Not everyone is like me: Other people -- Everyday life in utopia -- Quiz: The four tendencies.