Curious habits : why we do what we do and how to change /
Luke Mathers.
- ix, 212 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
An entertaining and thought-provoking exploration into why we form habits that can ultimately become unhelpful, and how to break or replace them to make positive change. There are hundreds of books about habits - atomic habits, tiny habits and habits of highly effective people (there are seven of those). This book is different. It draws from the collective wisdom - everything from evolutionary biology and neuroscience to religion, stoic philosophy and Instagram - and looks at habits through the lens of curiosity, not scarcity. If you've ever stopped after doing something you've done a hundred times and thought, 'Why do I do that?', then that's a curious habit. Let's take an example: procrastination. We all do it. We put stuff off that's hard or uncomfortable. 'Not a problem', we tell ourselves, until we find it becoming a habit that is stressing us out all the time over deadlines. It starts paralysing us from doing things we know we're capable of and must eventually do. Based on 20+ years' experience coaching leaders, Olympians and elite athletes, in Curious Habits Luke Mathers unpacks the reasons we have habits like procrastination, imposter syndrome, perfectionism and more, and helps us examine and change these habits - if we want to. Many people blame themselves for allowing curious habits to develop unconsciously into behaviour that no longer serves them (or even becomes destructive). But by embracing the power of curiosity and understanding, you will stop the blame and shame and be able to reset for a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life. A natural-born, entertaining storyteller, in Curious Habits Luke Mathers will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.