In Better Than Before, Gretchen Rubin explores the science of habit formation and provides practical advice for making and breaking habits. Rubin argues that everyone has a "habit tendency" that influences how easily they form and break habits. By understanding your habit tendency, you can develop strategies for making and breaking habits that are most likely to be successful.
12 lessons from Better Than Before:
1. Habits are the invisible architecture of our lives. They shape our behavior and determine our outcomes.
2. Everyone has a "habit tendency" that influences how easily they form and break habits. There are four main habit tendencies: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels.
3. Upholders are good at both making and breaking habits. They are motivated by internal expectations and deadlines.
4. Questioners are good at breaking habits but not as good at making them. They are motivated by data and evidence.
5. Obligers are good at making habits when they are accountable to others. They are motivated by external expectations and deadlines.
6. Rebels are resistant to both making and breaking habits. They are motivated by a desire for autonomy.
7. The key to making a habit is to make it obvious, attractive, convenient, and rewarding.
8. The key to breaking a habit is to make it invisible, unattractive, inconvenient, and unsatisfying.
9. Small changes can lead to big results. Don't try to change too much too quickly. Start with small, achievable goals.
10. Habits take time to form. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. It takes time to create new neural pathways in your brain.
11. Slip-ups are normal. Everyone slips up from time to time. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as possible.
12. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Don't get too caught up in whether or not you are achieving your goals. Focus on making the process of change as enjoyable and sustainable as possible.