I read a review about this book in a science magazine I read occasionally and thought that it sounded interesting and could be helpful to me. My local library system didn't have it so I did some book hunting (I didn't need much of an excuse for this) and found a copy.

Sadly, I have to say that my optimism for the book was misplaced. I can't quite put my finger on why I found this book difficult to get through but the writing style didn't capture me. In the reviews etc I read about the book beforehand some had it labelled as a self-help book, others as a popular science book. I thought that this was just poor reviewing but having read the book I can see why this happened. This book falls between both categories whilst not really fitting into either at the same time.

From a popular science point of view there just isn't enough of the science. There are some interesting facts presented however, for example, people often say (myself included) that it takes 21 days for a habit to form. It turns out that this number was come to by a writer and has been accepted as fact without any scientific basis. There is a decent amount of psychology presented but it felt massively dumbed down and very repetitive.

For a self-help point of view the suggestions put forward to help with habits was poorly presented and lacked detail. There was almost nothing that was new to me and a lot of it again was repetitive in nature. One of the suggestions to help was using 'mindfulness'. This is a subject I know well with my experiences with Buddhism and the explanation in this book was very poor. I imagine someone new to the subject would be left a bit underwhelmed and confused.

I didn't hate this book but it was only ok. It has received some decent reviews so perhaps it just didn't work for me. ( )

This is mainly evidence based at least, and some of the research studies are interesting, but it does get a bit repetitive and could have made the same points in fewer words. Also there were some parts that didn't make sense when the author was describing studies - I couldn't tell if the author had misinterpreted the results or whether it was just written so strangely that it accidentally implied the reverse to the actual findings. ( )

Joy's review: the sub-title "Why We Do Things, Why We Don't, and How to Make Any Change Stick" basically describes what this book is about. Dean presents useful psychological studies related to how we acquire and how we can change habits. Good to read before and while attempting to change any habit. ( )

This is a great book! I got a few ideas to try out in my own life (with some success). I'm parking this book for now and when needed I'll pick it up again later someday. For the time being I feel I've got what I wanted from this book.

Written in a down-to-earth style, it feels like no bullshitting. When the author tells you that X works he also tells you the pitfalls and accepts how hard it still is. It does gives you some hope. ( )

If you ever wonder why you fail implementing a new habit - this is the book for you. If you are looking for a more realistic and substantial approach than a 21-days-change-any-habit-cure - this is the book for you.

We all have habits - good or bad.The book takes you through both the making and breaking of habits supported with examples from various scientific studies (all thoroughly referenced). It explains why it may be difficult to change or stop an old habit alternatively add a new habit, and it describes different tools/ways helpful making the change reality.

The book was written in an easy going manner i.e. you don't have to be a psychology student to benefit from it. This is a book that will definitely stay on my mind for a while. It has already made me start thinking of which habits I have and which I want to have - and how to go about it. ( )