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Tiny Habits

summary ofTiny HabitsBook by BJ Fogg, PhD

17 min
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You’ll learn

  • About starting small
  • How to push a collective change in society
  • The Fogg behavior model
  • About positive changes
  • The science behind habit formation

first KEY POINT

The problem is the instructions, not you

Have you ever noticed that throughout life, we strive for change? We want to be happier, get promotions, find true love, or lead a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes, along with all these ambitious wishes, we think, “Something is wrong with me” or “Why am I not able to just do it?”So, what should we do with this gap between our aspirations and how we spend our days? Let us put the frustration away by realizing that we, as individuals, are not the problem.

Failure can mean that you used the wrong tools or followed false instructions. It was the approach or the system that failed, not you.

Who you are and whether you are happy are built on your habits. How many wishes didn't come true because of self-doubt, judgment, or being too hard to fulfill? The work of Dr. Fogg will bring you all the keys to the changes you want in your life. And what is essential — feeling good in the process.The transformation consists of small things. If you want a change, adjust something tiny. Sure, it may feel unnatural and demanding to dedicate hours to working out or learning a language. But you can start with two push-ups while your coffee is getting ready or two unknown words of a new language during breakfast.Embrace the new habit of spending 10 seconds a day saying, “It's gonna be a great day” after waking up. This tiny change will help you create a belief and a positive attitude that will shape your following actions.

second KEY POINT

Your behavior is a project to design

You’ve probably tried to change your behavior many times but most likely never wondered how you formed that behavior. And you can't change what you don't know. Dr. Fogg distinguishes three main elements: Motivation, Ability, and Prompt. Motivation is your desire to take action, Ability identifies your capability, and Prompt is what triggers your action. Make sure that you make a hard step with solid motivation. You can solve the lack of desire by simplifying what you have to do. Repeating an easy action, like learning two new words per day, makes it effortless after some time. You won't even notice how you started learning ten!Let's look at the example of Katie. She started cleaning up her desk every evening after work. In this way, she feels the energy to be productive. But would she have developed this habit if she had decided to tidy up the whole office daily?When it comes to the prompt, keep those signals that trigger your desired behavior and eliminate those that stand in your way. You can leave your phone in the kitchen to avoid starting your day by scrolling through Instagram.Maybe you often struggle with not getting the behavior you want from yourself or other people. Ask yourself three questions to achieve your goal:• Why is it important?
• What makes it difficult?
• Is there anything that can serve as a reminder to do it?

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first KEY POINT

Motivation is not a deal-breaker

second KEY POINT

Simplicity takes over motivation

third KEY POINT

Design your afters

fourth KEY POINT

Celebrating should be a daily practice

fifth KEY POINT

Tiny successes are game changers

sixth KEY POINT

Bad habit — a tangled rope to untie

seventh KEY POINT

By creating yourself, you create the world

eighth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

BJ Fogg, PhD, is a behavioral scientist and founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University.

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Frequently asked questions

What is 'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything' about?

'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything' by BJ Fogg explores how small, incremental changes can lead to significant personal transformations. The book emphasizes the importance of making tiny adjustments to daily routines to build healthier habits that last.

Who is the author of 'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything'?

The author of 'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything' is BJ Fogg, a behavior scientist and the founder of the Behavior Design Lab at Stanford University.

Is 'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything' worth reading?

Yes, 'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything' is definitely worth reading for anyone looking to improve their habits and overall well-being. BJ Fogg provides practical strategies that are easy to implement, making behavior change accessible and achievable.

How many pages is 'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything' and when was it published?

'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything' consists of approximately 304 pages and was published on January 7, 2020. This makes it a manageable read for those looking to enhance their understanding of habit formation.

What are the key takeaways from 'Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything'?

Key takeaways from 'Tiny Habits' include the idea that making small changes can lead to big results, the significance of celebrating tiny successes, and the concept of designing your environment to support new habits. These insights help readers understand how to effectively create lasting change in their lives.