Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick

In this review of Making Habits, Breaking Habits the bottom line is simple: this is a research-rich, readable guide for anyone who wants to understand how habits form and how to change them. Psychologist Jeremy Dean presents dozens of studies and turns them into practical, actionable ideas that help explain why some behaviors become automatic while others keep requiring willpower. Readers who value clear explanations and evidence-based advice will find the book especially useful for building sustainable routines.

Key Features

• Research-driven insight: Draws on hundreds of studies to explain why habits emerge and why some changes fail, offering readers an evidence-based foundation for behavior change.
• Practical takeaways: Translates academic findings into clear, usable guidelines that make it easier to design routines that stick.
• Accessible writing: Clear structure and plain language make complex psychology approachable for general readers and non-native speakers alike.
• Focus on automaticity: Explains how much behavior is driven by autopilot processes so readers can target the right triggers and environments.
• Myth-busting approach: Challenges common assumptions about habit formation and provides more realistic expectations for how long change takes.

Who It's For

Making Habits, Breaking Habits is best for people who want a thoughtful, scientific look at behavior change rather than quick gimmicks. It suits readers who prefer evidence over anecdotes, including students of psychology, managers interested in consumer behavior, and individuals trying to establish exercise, practice, or productivity routines.

Those expecting a prescriptive self-help manual with rigid step-by-step programs may want to look elsewhere, since the book emphasizes explanation and principles more than a fixed protocol. Readers seeking brief, checklist-style habit hacks may find this book more reflective than instantly actionable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-researched content that brings scientific studies into practical context.
• Easy-to-follow writing makes complex ideas accessible to a wide audience.
• Valuable insights into automatic behavior that help redesign environments and triggers.

Cons

• Not a prescriptive program, so readers wanting a strict routine plan may need to adapt the ideas themselves.
• Some readers mention the book's length as a drawback if they prefer shorter treatments.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Making Habits, Breaking Habits is a strong value for readers who want evidence-led explanations of how habits form and practical ideas for nudging behavior. Jeremy Dean balances solid research with accessible prose, making this a useful resource for anyone serious about building lasting routines even if they must translate the principles into a personal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book based on scientific studies?
Yes. The author draws on hundreds of studies to explain habit formation and behavior change.

Will the book give a step-by-step habit program?
Not exactly; it focuses on principles and evidence rather than a fixed, prescriptive program.

Is the writing accessible for non-native readers?
Many readers find the language clear and well-structured, which helps non-native speakers follow the ideas.