This excerpt from Charles Duhigg’s ”The Power of Habit” delves into the fascinating world of habit formation and change. It explores how habits operate on a neurological level, highlighting the role of the basal ganglia in automating routines. The text uses a blend of scientific research, anecdotes, and real-life examples to demonstrate that habits can be both powerful forces in shaping our lives and susceptible to change. Duhigg emphasizes that understanding the habit loop, comprised of a cue, routine, and reward, is crucial for breaking bad habits and forming new, positive ones. The excerpt also touches on the concept of keystone habits—those fundamental behaviours that, when altered, have a domino effect on other routines, leading to significant life changes. Ultimately, the excerpt aims to empower readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand and manage their own habits, ultimately transforming them into masters of their own behaviours.