SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The fourth in a series of leadership book discussions planned for 2019 will be lead by David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension, starting at noon on April 11 at the Springfield Botanical Center.
The discussion of “The Power of Habit” written by Charles Duhigg begins at noon and participants can bring their lunch. This book has also recently been part of the Mizzou Alumni Association book study.
According to this book, humans can operate on automatic pilot, performing complex behaviors without any conscious thought because of habit. Things like playing the guitar or even speaking a second language become a habit with practice. Unfortunately, we can also acquire bad habits, like smoking or overeating.
Duhigg, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, read hundreds of scientific papers and interviewed many of the scientists who wrote them, for this book. This is not a self-help book but a serious look at the science of habit formation and change.
According to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri, Duhigg makes his case for habits by presenting fascinating stories and case histories.
“This is an enjoyable book, and readers will find useful advice about how to change at least some of their bad habits,” said Burton.
Duhigg is optimistic about how we can put the science to use. “Once you understand that habits can change you have the freedom – and the responsibility – to remake them. Once you understand that habits can be rebuilt, the power becomes easier to grasp, and the only option left is to get to work.”
The point is that habitual behaviors come in many different forms, and squeezing them into one framework misses some of the nuances of how to change behavior effectively. But understanding the habit loop – cue, response reward – is a step toward making changes.
This leadership book discussion is offered as part of Greene County MU Extension’s EXCEL Leadership program. The program is free and is for leaders and business owners and residents from all types of industries and backgrounds.
“We hope that these book discussions lead to improvements in our communities, organizations and our businesses that can have a lasting impact,” said David Burton, county engagements specialist with University of Missouri Extension and a resident of Republic.
MORE INFORMATION
Book discussion participants are also encouraged to enroll in Greene County EXCEL, the award-winning leadership program through Greene County MU Extension, to be kept up-to-date on local leadership programs and book discussions. Enrollment in EXCEL is free and can be done anytime online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EXCELenrollment.
For more information, contact David Burton in Greene County at (417) 881-8909 or via email at burtond@missouri.edu.
— David Burton, University of Missouri Extension
For more news from Missouri, click here.