Better Than Before: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Better Than Before, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Habits save us from deciding
Rubin argues habits matter because they remove the need for decisions.
Once something is a habit, you do it without debating with yourself, freeing willpower for other things. The challenge is knowing which methods suit you.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Know yourself before changing habits
There is no single right way to build habits, Rubin says.
Some people are larks, others owls; some like big changes, others small steps. Understanding your own nature, including your Tendency, comes before choosing a strategy.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Abstainers and Moderators need different rules
Rubin notices that some people, abstainers, find it easier to give up a temptation completely, while moderators do better with a little.
Knowing which you are can end a lot of internal struggle.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Monitoring, scheduling and foundations help
Among Rubin's strategies, monitoring means tracking what you do, scheduling means giving a habit a fixed time, and foundation habits like sleep, exercise and eating well support all other habits.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Accountability works for many people
Rubin's strategy of accountability means letting others or a system hold you to a habit.
She notes it is especially powerful for Obligers, who keep promises to others more easily than to themselves.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Fresh starts and sudden shifts
Rubin describes the Clean Slate, a moment of change like a new home or job that makes new habits easier.
She also describes the Lightning Bolt, a sudden insight that changes behaviour overnight.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Spot your loopholes
People excuse breaking habits with loopholes, like this does not count or I deserve it.
Rubin lists common types of loopholes and suggests that noticing them is the first step to closing them.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Pair habits and add convenience
Rubin's strategy of pairing links a habit with something you enjoy, such as only listening to a favourite podcast while exercising.
She also recommends making good habits more convenient and bad ones less convenient.
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