Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick
- Author: Jeremy Dean
- Narrator: Sean Pratt
- Length: 06:33:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 25/12/2012
- Publisher: Ascent Audio
- Genre: Self Development, Health & Wellness
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As I settled into the soothing cadence of Sean Pratt’s narration for “Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to Make Any Change Stick” by Jeremy Dean, I found myself transported – not to a fictional realm, but into the intricate machinery of my own behavior. Through a cultural lens, this audiobook experience offers a compelling blend of psychological insight and practical wisdom, unraveling the enigma of why we do what we do – and how we might do it differently. What fascinates me most is how Dean, a psychologist with a knack for accessible storytelling, dismantles the myths surrounding habit formation, inviting us to rethink our autopilot lives.
This audiobook resonates deeply with a memory from my time as a visiting professor in Tokyo. While wandering the bustling streets of Shibuya, I picked up a copy of Haruki Murakami’s “Kafka on the Shore”. Reading it in Japanese and English revealed how context shapes perception – a theme echoed in Dean’s exploration of habits. Just as Murakami’s magical realism felt more intuitive in its native tongue, Dean suggests that our habits are shaped by unseen cultural and environmental cues. I recall struggling to adopt a daily meditation practice during that year abroad; the chaos of Tokyo’s rhythm clashed with my intention. Listening to Dean’s work, I realized my failure wasn’t a lack of willpower but a misunderstanding of how habits root themselves in our brains.
Dean’s central thesis – that habits are less about conscious choice and more about automaticity – draws on a wealth of studies, from the mundane (eating an apple a day) to the transformative (regular exercise). He posits that it takes far longer than the oft-cited 21 days to cement a habit – closer to 66 days, depending on complexity. This insight struck me as both liberating and daunting. During my Contemporary Fiction seminar at Berkeley, we once debated how medium affects narrative engagement, comparing “Cloud Atlas” across print, digital, and audio formats. Similarly, Dean’s audiobook format enhances his message: Pratt’s steady, reflective tone mirrors the patience required to rewire our neural pathways. The listening experience feels like a gentle guide, nudging us toward self-awareness.
The content shines in its clarity and wit. Dean busts myths with precision – did you know willpower is a finite resource, easily depleted by decision fatigue? He offers actionable strategies, like piggybacking new habits onto existing ones (think flossing after brushing), which I’ve since tested with my morning tea ritual. Through a cultural lens, I appreciate how he acknowledges the universal struggle of habit formation while subtly nodding to individual differences. Yet, the book isn’t without flaws. At times, the repetition of studies feels like academic overkill, and I wished for more diverse global perspectives – perhaps a nod to how collectivist cultures approach behavior differently from individualistic ones.
Sean Pratt’s narration elevates the audiobook experience. His voice, warm yet authoritative, strikes a balance between scholarly gravitas and conversational ease. The pacing – clocking in at just over six hours – feels deliberate, allowing Dean’s ideas to breathe without overwhelming the listener. The audio quality is crisp, a testament to Ascent Audio’s production, though I occasionally found myself craving a touch more dynamism in Pratt’s delivery during the denser scientific sections. Still, his performance complements the text’s introspective tone, making it an ideal companion for a reflective walk or quiet evening.
For all its strengths, the audiobook isn’t a panacea. It excels at diagnosis – why habits stick or slip – but the “how” of change, while practical, lacks the granular specificity some might crave. Compared to Brené Brown’s “Daring Greatly”, which I reviewed years ago, Dean’s work leans more analytical than emotionally resonant. Brown’s vulnerability lens inspires; Dean’s behavioral focus instructs. Both are giants in self-development, but where Brown tugs at the heart, Dean engages the mind – a distinction that will shape your listening preference.
This audiobook suits anyone curious about the mechanics of change, from students of psychology to wellness enthusiasts. It’s particularly valuable for those, like me, who’ve wrestled with inconsistency – whether it’s abandoning a gym routine or failing to write daily. The genre of self-development and health & wellness thrives on actionable insight, and Dean delivers, though I’d recommend pairing it with a journal to track your habit experiments. If you’re seeking an audiobook free of fluff and rich with evidence, this is a worthy pick.
Reflecting on my own journey, I’m reminded of that Tokyo meditation struggle. Dean’s insights have since inspired me to tether mindfulness to my evening tea – a small victory, but a meaningful one. What fascinates me most is how this audiobook bridges the abstract and the everyday, turning the science of habits into a personal narrative. It’s not just a listen; it’s a mirror, reflecting our quirks and potential back to us.
With intellectual curiosity and a nod to the power of habit,
Prof. Emily Chen
