Meet the Author
Jeremy Dean is a second career psychologist best known for his popular PsyBlog, which features discussion of “psychological studies that are relevant to everyday life.” Since leaving his career in law, Dean has earned two degrees in psychology and is currently working on a doctorate in that field.
Book Basics
Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick offers a pragmatic approach to a challenging topic based on sound analysis of numerous studies. Rather than crafting a one size fits all approach to successfully creating desirable new habits or eliminating undesirable old habits, Dean examines numerous intertwined issues that together help determine the likelihood of success. After identifying and explaining these issues, he presents a way forward that values a proven process with an emphasis on mindfulness.
So What?
The ability to make and keep healthy habits and to quit and not return to unhealthy habits is something most people desire. Simply willing one’s way to success or practicing (or avoiding) a habit for 21 (or 28 or any other number of days popular sites or books suggest) is typically an ineffective means of enacting a lasting change.
- Share an example of your own failure in making and keeping a healthy habit or in quitting and not returning to an unhealthy habit. Why do you think your attempt ended with this undesirable outcome?
- What is the single most helpful tip you have to offer others who may be pondering a change in habits?
- How does habit relate to the life of faith in general? to engaging in specific spiritual disciplines?
Jeremy Dean. Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick (Da Capo Press, 2013). ISBN: 9780738215983.