In Monday’s post, I wrote about three books that changed my life for the better. Today I’d like to give away one of those books to a Words From The Sowul reader:

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Charles Duhigg’s publisher, thanking me for the positive review I gave The Power of Habit back in 2012, and asking if I wanted a promotional copy of The Power of Habit paperback, which was just released last week. I said I did, of course, and the paperback arrived just after the new year. I already own the hardcover version, so I’d like to give the paperback to one of my readers.

Here’s why you want to win this book:

In case you missed my “life-changing books” post on Monday, or the original review of The Power of Habit, you can find them here:

3 Books That Changed My Life

The Power of Habit

I’ve written in both posts that the “cue-routine-reward” system described in the book is an extremely simple, yet effective, method for creating or changing a habit. It’s a wonderful tool, not only for adults, but for children (or parents training their children).

For example, I wanted to ensure that Edwin washed his hands before every meal, but I kept forgetting to have him do it. So I used “cue-routine-reward” to create a habit. The CUE was a slip of paper tucked between the trays of his high chair, like a desk sign, that said, “Wash my hands, Mommy.” I couldn’t miss it when I went to put Edwin in his chair. The ROUTINE was going to the sink and helping Edwin wash his hands. The REWARD was for both of us: for him, clean hands and a yummy meal or snack; for me, the satisfaction of teaching my son a healthy habit, and the erasure of germs that might have made him sick later. I can see dozens of applications of this process when attempting to teach him good habits in the future.

Here’s how you can enter the giveaway:

1. Subscribe to Words From The Sowul by typing your email address into the sidebar under “Subscribe to Blog via Email” and hitting the Subscribe button.

2. When you get the confirmation email in your mailbox, confirm that you want to subscribe to Words From The Sowul.

3. Sit back and wait to see if you won the free book.

IT WILL TAKE YOU LESS THAN 30 SECONDS TO ENTER!

The giveaway will close next Wednesday, 1/22/14, at 10:00 AM (EST). At that time, I’ll use a random number generator to choose a winner from the list of people who subscribed within the time frame. I’ll contact the winner via email. (If you are already subscribed but would still like enter the giveaway, please email me at leannesowul@gmail.com.)

As a bonus, all who enter will become a Words From The Sowul subscriber, which means each post will be emailed to you as soon as it’s live. You’ll never miss a post again!

Restrictions: Only those who live within the continental U.S. may win the prize; overseas readers are welcome to subscribe to the blog, of course, but please accept my apologies for being unable to mail you the book. 

Thank you all, and good luck!