Book Tip No. 60 (2023): B.J. FOGG: TINY HABITS: THE SMALL CHANGES THAT CHANGE EVERYTHING.
By Hans-Christian Riekhof
Implementing long-term behavioral changes via the modification of personal habits is a topic that has long fascinated me. There are many books on this subject. Published some time ago is The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, Mark V. Hansen, and Les Hewitt, which has given me many interesting insights that I have successfully integrated into my everyday life.
In the meantime, the relevant self-help literature has found a new focus. It is no longer primarily about changing or creating a maximum of four major habits per year – as was the recommendation of Canfield et al.
Rather, under the heading “Atomic Habits” (see also my Book Tip No. 47 James Clear: Atomic Habits), it is recommended to become aware of the virtually infinite number of small habits that control one’s own behavior without major decision-making and thought processes taking place. The key is to identify the right trigger that can and should trigger desired behavior in the future.
Tiny Habits – The small changes that change everything
This is also the direction of B.J. Fogg’s book on Tiny Habits. It is vividly and comprehensibly written. Sometimes there are too many examples that provide more anecdotal evidence (“When Mike from Minneapolis on his 23rd birthday on his way to work …”). I have gotten into the habit of simply skipping these passages – this is one of my habits that have proven to be very effective.
The book motivates you to deal with your own habits. Whether it can do this better than “Atomic Habits” is more a matter of personal taste. One of the two books definitely deserves your full attention.
