Human Brain Habit loop

I am really impressed by both the books of Charles Duhigg (Smarter Faster Better, The Habit Loop). The research he has done on for these books is amazing.

There is an underlying habit pattern human brain makes. If you disrupt that pattern it will discontinue the habit. This works better if you want to get rid off a bad habit.


A city always used to have riots on a particular day of the week and it was a big headache to the police. They asked an army individual to take a look at the situation. He identified a pattern. All the city youth will come for prayers on that particular day of the week , with fasting and eat kababs after prayers and start chit chatting. After some time they get agitated against the govt and start throwing stuff at govt properties and hell breaks loose. So the major ordered the kabab mobile shops NOT to enter the area of prayers. They were stopped one mile away. So the habit pattern broke. Those individuals started going out a mile to eat Kababs and started leaving for their respective homes. Who would have imagined moving kabab shops a mile away will fix all the city problems. Thats the power of habit, from Charles Duhigg book.


Another story that hit me from a facebook friend is there are two expeditions to the south pole by Scott and Amundsen teams. Amundsen ordered his team to travel 20 miles every day irrespective of harsh cold conditions in the expedition to south pole. On the other hand Scott ordered teams to travel more on days of good weather and less on the days of bad weather. Interesting enough Amundsen team reached quicker to the south pole. Human brain always tries to find comfort, your routine and disciplined habits are going to make the difference.

Thank you for reading. On a personal note sharing the great opportunity I had this weekend with Hindu Association of North West Arkansas, attended by city mayor, council members and board of directors. 

Happy Reading !!!