THE HABIT MECHANIC

A manual offers a comprehensive system designed to modify behavior through better habits.

Performance psychology consultant Finn claims his “Habit Mechanic” tools “are tried and tested, and have already helped over 10,000 people” change their lives. This is very likely not hyperbole given the programmatic, science-based approach of the author’s methodology. The book details various tools and explains how to use them; it also includes frequent references to an accompanying website and app as part of the total package. The guide is divided into four “steps,” with the first two examining how individuals learn and then covering basic brain science. The third step explains the core tools and the fourth, optional one offers a new set of leadership tools, through which readers can help others develop better habits. With a new “core language,” numerous tools, 38 chapters, and over 540 pages, this book may appear intimidating at first glance. But readers need not be anxious; Finn does a fine job of providing uncomplicated definitions and clear descriptions. Chapters are short and divided into digestible chunks; examples are plentiful; and exercises are practical. Simple illustrations and diagrams enhance the text. Finn personalizes the content by relating portions of his own story when appropriate. While the first two parts of the manual go into a fair amount of detail about brain science, this information forms a strong, necessary foundation for the habit-based tools that follow. The volume’s most intriguing section, “Habit Mechanic Skills,” consumes 12 chapters and delivers a range of tools to develop better habits around will power, motivation, sleep, diet, exercise, stress management, productivity, and more. Each of the chapters describes one or more tools, shows illustrative examples, and includes exercises to complete. Many of the concepts are unique, such as Finn’s proprietary “Nine Action Factors” framework, which he discusses in detail. The author wisely relies on analogies throughout the book to simplify complex concepts, but the dizzying array of acronyms readers will encounter may at times seem exhausting. Still, as a soup-to-nuts, self-administered behavior modification system, the manual is marvelously constructed.

A thorough, inventive, and creatively executed life-improvement guide.