Unlocking the Habit Code

by Mike Grogan

"Mike has taken on the daunting task of making a really tough thing easy, and he's done it brilliantly. Bravo!" David Allen, Bestselling Author, Getting Things Done: the Art of Stress-Free Productivity

We have a problem. Our track record at improving ourselves and helping others to change for the better is terrible: 80% of New Year’s Resolutions don’t make it past February while 70% of organizational change efforts fail to meet expectations. There has to be a better way. There is.

Enter the MESSI Approach: The scientifically proven way to create new habits that actually works. Read how seven ordinary people used this method to create extraordinary change in their lives. If they can do it, so can you. This book has the solution you have been waiting for.
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"I have been reading and writing about habits for nearly five years. I can separate the ‘real deal’ experts in change psychology from the posers in a few minutes of reading. Fortunately, Mike Grogan is one of the ‘real deal’ experts in habit change." - Steve 'SJ' Scott, Bestselling Author and Founder of www.DevelopGoodHabits.com

“The techniques in this practical, tactical guide will profoundly change your life for the better.” - Chris Bailey, Bestselling Author and Founder of www.alifeofproductivity.com
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Mike Grogan is a sought-after keynote speaker and an internationally recognized expert on habit creation, lean management and leadership development. A native of Ireland, Mike now lives in the Philippines, where he travels the world inspiring and guiding individuals and organizations on how to achieve breakthrough performance.
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To learn more, visit: www.unlockingthehabitcode.com

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[AmbaGary Domingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The top priority of the Philippine Foreign Service is the protection of the rights, welfare and well-being of Filipinos Overseas. As Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, a country with 50,000 Filipinos, my job is thus more akin to that of being a Mayor than the traditional diplomat. An important part of my work is to encourage and motivate the Filipino Community to do their best in their work, study, civic activity and family life. Mike Grogan's "Unlocking the Habit Code" is a very timely and useful guide to help me become a better person and public servant. It is a guide which I can also share with the members of the Community.

The book is a great catalyst for the reader's self-actualization and potential-maximization. I appreciate the style of the book. It is easy to read, it is both an engaging conversation with the reader as well as a practical manual. The 21-Day Challenge is a great way to start the comprehensive personal "re-boot" one needs. I very much like the other frameworks of the book, especially the "MESSI" approach - being a fan of the football star. An important feature of the book are the examples of people in various walks of life and how they apply the lessons. All readers can readily identify with one or more of these personal examples.

While the book is for a universal audience, one can feel in its pages Mike's familiarity with and appreciation for the Pinoy. Filipinos are well-loved and appreciated in New Zealand - and much of why that is so is reflected in Mike Grogan's writings. It is truly a Godsend that Mike, an Irishman, writes about us in such a wonderfully positive light. It is a great gift to the Filipino people. "Unlocking" is his next present for Pinoys and all the world. Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift by ordering a copy - and treat your friends and loved ones too ! Maraming Salamat Po Mike !

[Erick Mwelulila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Mike's book its really practical. What Mike has presented in his book is not only an inspirational and motivational but it really work's if someone want to live differently. I have been Mike's student on Kaizen Principles and I really followed his guidance which helped me change the way I work, think and act. The emphasis of applying scientific method in analyzing problems and finding solutions has also been part of this amazing book. This book will be useful for all who have never got chance to work with Mike. He always insists on personal change and the book will guide you on how to make change on yourself. "Unlocking the habit code" will show you how to leverage the subconscious brain to create success habits faster and more effectively than you have ever done before.

[Colin Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book constitutes four hours of reading time and 21 days of experimentation that will change the lives of the people who take it seriously. Mike has distilled the art and science needed to TRANSFORM lives into an amazingly short book designed to help readers hit the ground running. I just finished my 21 Day Challenge and it feels incredible to have accomplished such a feat. I consider myself rather driven and accomplished for someone my age, but this book takes that drive and feeling of accomplishment to the next level because Mike proves that personal growth can be meaningful, even if it is tiny, on a daily basis.

For years I strove to wake up at 5am, read my Bible, pray, and workout heavily before work, but in the midst of a very busy career and a plethora of after hours networking events and social engagements, adhering to an early morning schedule only worked when circumstances rarely allowed. This book gives readers the tool set required to design their individual process, prioritize actual priorities, say no to the urgent but unimportant, and stick to the plan to make the important happen. The freedom gained from this process is second only to the Gospel.

The essence and earnestness of who Mike is comes through in this book. When you speak with Mike, you quickly learn that he is a wealth of confidence, knowledge and ability, but you know the whole time that he is most confident in his desire to see you grow and succeed. All these characteristics are palpable in this book from a wise teacher who is also a genuine friend. Mike does not teach from above you, he walks beside you and learns with you. The stories in this book illustrate his unique ability to do this, and convince readers to follow the advice he lays out for us. I am blessed to know Mike as a friend and mentor, but for those who know him only through his books, keep your eye on what Mike produces in the future because the material will only get better from here!

[Kai Danilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the prologue I read this :
"A series of circumstances brought me to write this book, but only with the benefit of hindsight can I now connect the dots and see how everything in my past has to led me to this point.
I was meant to write this book and you were meant to read it."
This hit me and made me even more curios about what knowledge he wanted to share with us.

I have read a couple of personal development books before, but this is different from the others I have read. What is different? This book has a more practical approach to how you can transform yourself. Mike has written easy steps to follow and helpful advice along your journey in the book, and later on when you will apply these in your own life. Not only will you learn how to apply this yourself, but you can read about 7 different personal experiences from people who had done this themselves.

You get to read how they prepared before they set on their journey. How they were able to complete a 21 day challenge to incorporate this teachings in their own daily routine so it become a habit. And also their own personal thoughts before and after the challenge. To me this was the most rewarding part of the book, where I got to see for myself how this can be incorporated to different lives with different goals and end results.

I feel the author has great self awareness, experience and knowledge that he shares with the reader in this easy to read book. After reading this book I feel excited and eager to start on my own 21 days challenge, and see how my life while change.

If you invest time in this book, you invest in yourself. And I am certain that the benefits will be far more greater than you could ever imagine beforehand.

What a great book Mike, I am honored to be one of the persons to read it. Thank you!!

[Adam Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlocking the Habit Code is a self-improvement book with a concise message and simple, winning strategy.

The book is straight forward on subject matter, certainly. But anyone that has tried and failed in changing a habit, and kept at it until it stuck, we all know there is a lot of nuance to being successful -- a lot of little things set us up for success or failure. I think this book hones in on that nuance.

In many ways, the book reiterates what I've confirmed to work well through trial and error, but there are tips that I had forgotten about and there are one or two completely new strategies that will enhance my current rituals. If only you could have convinced 18-year-old-me to pick up this book years ago.

Reading a self-improvement book is a good sign of wanting to change a habit, and this book is just the right level of simplicity for anyone who is getting started or who hasn't been successful with other techniques. The sky is the limit for books thereafter.

I know Mike Grogan as a colleague and as a friend, and I was given an advanced copy of the book for an honest review. I know that Mike is energized when people make themselves and the world around them better, regardless of the tools and books they use to achieve those goals. Mike wants you to be successful! There is so much of Mike's passion in this book, distilled into concise easy-to-use concepts. Hopefully, his energy can propel you from reading about it to doing it.

[Weellee Domingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, some feedback: Honestly I think some chapters should've gone ahead of others. Like for instance, the 7 stories could've been placed at Chapter 8 and the 21-Day Challenge at Chapter 6, because it would've made more sense to read about what the challenge is, then read on the testimonials after. Just my personal opinion, anyway.

Here's the more important part of my review: Mike Grogan's Unlocking the Habit code is confronting - in a good way. At first the 21-day challenge will appear daunting, but at the very core of that "daunting" thought is fear - of one's own potential. At least that's how I realized it.

I thought I already had a morning ritual, but it turns out I can still enhance it. I had so many thoughts about the 21-day challenge, like "Do I still really have to do that?", "It's so troublesome!", "Does this really work?". But the more I listened to those thoughts of mine, the more it became clear to me: I've been resisting the leader in me by wanting to be comfortable all the time.

So yes, Mike is right. This book is not for everybody. This is for people who are committed to living life fully and leading a life they love.

Thank you very much for writing this book, Mike. I do hope that you will turn this into a book series, with books on topics that were outside of the scope of this book.

[Venancio III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I've already been forming my morning routine and habits. I aspire to be a successful entrepreneur and to achieve such freedom, I know I needed discipline. I strive to implement the different super habits that successful people do. Mike's book took my understanding to the next level.

3 Things I Love About It:

1. Case Studies
- It was inspiring to read about the featured successful morning routines. People have different backgrounds and knowing how they worked it out according to their circumstances helped me figure out my own.
2. Interview Before and After the 21-Day Challenge
- The interviews shed light on the many other things that are involved in habit formation: how you want to feel, your desired result, your strategy, measuring and evaluating progress, working with someone else, and much more.
3. Critical Element
- Mike shares what it is that has the biggest impact on habit creation. There's an entire chapter dedicated to it and it's something I've overlooked in the past. I now have to make it happen.

I'm very thankful to have read this book. It's easy to understand and is very actionable. It will significantly contribute to a truly awesome 2017 for me.

[Xiao Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a Filipino historian and book lover.

The book is like a synthesis of many useful tips on how to improve one self throughout the ages, and based on life experiences, written in a simple and conversational manner. A simple book with grand uses.

Although some times it could be not as direct to the point because of a lot of disclaimers, I understand why it was written that way--to tell us why this book is different from the ones before it.

It might labeled as a "self-help" book but it would be a misnomer because although it emphasizes that you cannot really change the world but only yourself, it also stresses that you need other people to be with you in the journey to personal change.

The approach that was proposed in this book (MESSI) and all the other tips can be very useful even beyond or outside the 21-day challenge.

Mike Grogan, thanks for this book and thanks for believing in Filipinos' inner strength. May you also decide to engage historians too in the future so we could have a conversation that is also cultural and historical. But for your declared purposes this book I believe is already effective as it is.

[Laarni · Rating 5 out of 5]

7 letters
1 word
AMAZING!

I have read numerous self help and self development books. How to become successful,how to stay motivated and all these hoo! haa! (that's my success battlecry :) type of books.
However, Unlocking the Habit Code I must say is very unique. Easy to read, engaging and easy to follow.
This book doesn't just made me read, it made me take Action!.

I have read books that inspired me to reach for my dreams, encouraged me to be the best version of me, motivated me to work towards financial freedom ,so on and so forth. But never showed me how. Unlocking the Habit Code is different in a sense that it teaches the reader what to do and how to do it, step by step.
It's like a blueprint. A road map to success.
This book is the bridge and the missing link to all self development and self help books out there. A must read.
As Aristotle said "We are what we repeatedly do, Excellence therefore,is not an act, but a Habit".
To become successful and achieve all the things we dream of, we must first have a World Class Habit which this book is all about.
*Spoiler alert *- I'm on my Day 2 of my 21 day challenge .

[Cmduffert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having known Mike Grogan for quite awhile I believe I'm qualified to describe him with some accuracy. He's dedicated to making a difference in peoples' lives; that is to say a GOOD difference! He has the ability to distill complex situations and diverse personalities into simple and categorical behaviors that will either generate success or failure in the activities, goals, and dreams that these people pursue. This, his third book, is yet another masterpiece of communication to those of us who need and value exhortation, wise counsel, and constructive criticism. It will be a success, as were the previous two. if you find your self struggling to do the right thing in your life and in the lives of the people whom you touch I advise you to read it closely and consider what Mike has to say. I admire him; his energy, his intelligence, his commitment to people and their betterment. And, I absolutely stand awestruck at the level of his energy. If one can imagine sixteen Irish Setters in heat you have a picture of Mike's ability to cover ground. You'll like the book. And you'll like Mike.

From your friend, Mike.
Charles Duffert

[Marcelle Villegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple." ~ Albert Einstein

This is a quote that came to my mind while I was reading the book. Mike Grogan is a genius!

Most of us struggle in life as we try to figure out the solutions to some problems. For me, this book provides practical, realistic, effective and brilliant solutions on how we can improve our lives or even change the course of our lives into a better path. I tried the principles taught in this book and they are indeed effective. Remember that reading the book is not enough. You need to apply the principles and experience the journey and the process on how to improve your life. This book will guide you on how to do it correctly.

"The greatest way you can influence others to change is by becoming a model of excellence. By being the change you want to see." ~ Mike Grogan

Thank you, Mike, for writing this book and for helping us solve our problems through the habit code. ☆

Marcelle P. Villeges
Editor - Expatch e-magazine
(www.expatch.org)

[Lisa Nadal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been a bookworm type of person, but my best friend insisted that I get connected with Mike Grogan and listen to some of the words. She has read his past books and I thought what harm would it do to be completely honest in a review of something I have read?

Unlocking the Habit Code....my gosh. Some parts of these real-life stories had me in shock. That these were real issues that I knew could or have heard happen but to read about them seem so surreal. I am what they call a "Mestiza" which is pretty much a half filipino and half of everything else. Some of these "habits" I knew about but it wasn't until I read this book that I was able to see how these habits could actually be applied to our lives in a different manner. This is a self-help book for how to build something in life, not materialistic but to unlock the code to help you rebuild or enrich your life in other ways.

I cannot wait to receive the actual copy. I am recommended this book to all. I am not searching for Mike Grogan's other work. Maganda umaga!

[James Diker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlocking the Habit Code by Mike Grogan is a self-improvement book that conveys a clear and concise message. Even though the book is a quick read (cover to cover in four hours) it delivers an amazing strategy in a format that was both easy to digest and straightforward to implement. The first section of the book lays out Mike's overall message and strategy for personal growth. The second section is a series of individual stories, which help the reader understand how to apply these strategies. The book ends with a 21-day challenge designed to instill good habits with respect to your morning routine.

Personally, I've always found it hard to take information from self-improvement books and apply them to my life. That is not the case with this book. Having read all the stories and accepted the 21-Day Challenge, I'm confident that I will be able to take Mike's suggested morning routines and turn them into my best and most productive habits. This book is a great read that will undoubtedly help improve the lives of anyone who reads it. I highly recommend this book.

[Bernie Stabinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening pages through to the end, this book motivates and inspires personal change as the spark to ignite action as an individual and a leader. There is clearly positive energy from the super habits discussed that makes them different from other approaches to personal change. The stories within the book serve as living examples to demonstrate the power of habitual action and the effects of thinking with optimism and a positive outlook to change yourself in order to influence others. Inspiring quotes throughout the book integrate the wisdom from those individuals with the elements needed for personal change. One of the aspects that makes this book stand apart, is that you are left with a challenge to commit to take action to unlock the habit code for yourself in order to achieve the potential you are capable of reaching and lead others by your example to achieve the same.

[Rome · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another very insightful book from Mike Grogan.

A month ago, I read two books written by Mike - The Rise of the Pinoy and 7 Reasons Why Filipinos Will Change the World. At first, I was just amazed at how interested he was with the Filipino community. But then, as I kept reading through those books, I noticed how he was very keen with his observations about the Filipino community.

He did it again with this book. But this time, his goal is to enable people to master the formation of habits. I, myself, have been keeping a lot of habits recently. Some I am really good at, some I am not. After having read this book, I came to know at which parts I am doing well at and which parts I have to improve on. This is a really great read for me.

The success stories included in the book are also very inspiring.

To you who are reading this review/(s) now, go grab your copy.

[Bernie Abelar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in the middle of my own transformation when I bumped into your book in social media. I have recently resigned from government service and promised myself to get back in shape and do what I wanted most: run and play tennis. I will be 60 in September this year and that means I have more than 21 days to get to my desired results.

Your book reinforced my beliefs that I'm on the right track.

Also, I have some typo or grammar corrections for you and your team to look into. You do not have to show this paragraph if ever you may want to publish my supposed review. Page 2 of 117: sketchs to sketches. Page 10 of 117: more that to more than. I understand you're on your final stages of your book. Hope this helps. Ah I forgot in the same Page 10 of 117: from estimate to estimated.

[David Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have moments when our mind and heart aspire to something greater than the capabilities of today. For someone like myself, it's an everyday occurrence. Unfortunately, the current of mediocrity is a stronger "every-moment" occurrence. Why is it so hard to free ourselves from the inertia of unfulfilling habits?

Enter Mike Grogan with "Unlocking the Habit Code". Mike bypasses the complicated, theoretical self-help literature and cuts straight to the simple techniques that make change sustainable - my favorite being the power of engineering your morning ritual for lifelong success.

Personal stories, and straightforward tools bring this book home - leaving no doubt that we can have a better morning, day, month, year and life.

[Marc Daubenbuechel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the "quickest" reads on personal development and at the same time the most efficient way on how to improve yourself.

I usually prefer podcasts (while commuting) and videos (I work best with visual tools) for personal development as I find most books too long and complicated. But reading this book changed my mind. It is definitely more efficient than just watching a video. "Unlocking the Habit Code" pro actively involves the reader and challenges you to take the next step. It uses visual tools and provides you with real life experiences from people that took the challenge.
Much to my surprise I would say that I got more knowledge, tools and true deep insights than from any other personal development video or podcast.

[Robinson Rivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlocking The Habit Code is a brilliant roadmap to successful habit creation that leads to transformative change. Mike's recipe is easy to follow and undoubtedly very engaging. I am eager to start my 21 day challenge and create my own empirical testimony. In the Operational Excellence arena, deciphering both the logical and emotional mechanisms to personal and organizational improvement become a powerful advantage. Unlocking The Habit Code should thus become a must study guide for change agents in this arena. I will definitely recommend this book to the many change agents I coach during their journey to transforming themselves and the corporation they are a part of. Thank you Mike Grogan for the opportunity to once again learn from your amazing talent.

[Dan Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike does it again. The Rise of the Pinoy was a just a start for me... helping me focus on my goals and optimizing my to do list, while at the same time celebrating our mutual love for the Philippines and Filipinos! Unlocking the Habit Code goes even further! Concepts like the MORNING RITUAL and the 9 Super Habits to TRANSFORM easily stick in your head. Mike's passion for learning, inspiring and being inspired come alive as each chapter gets you closer to the ultimate goal of changing habits to change lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone who does public speaking, training or teaching... thinking about how your audience has their own habits, and what you can do to educate and empower them to change their habits becomes much clearer after following Mike's strategy.

[ricab3lls · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I never read self help books. I did it before, once! But then i got lazy or maybe uninterested afterwards so i did not finish reading it. But then this book came along. I was browsing facebook when I saw an ad by the author saying he'll be giving free e-galleys in exchange of a honest review I signed up! I heard a lot of good things about Mike Grogan. I was reading what the book is all about and I thought that "wow this might help me out with the habits i needed to change and add new ones that will help me grow as a person." So upon finishing the whole book, i have decided to do the 21 days challenge that Mike Grogan mentioned from the book. Thank you so much Mike Grogan for sharing this amazing book to us! Keep writing please! ♥️

[Laura Kasprow · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Unlocking the Habit Code” is a must-read for anyone looking for a compelling catalyst to jump-start their personal development and growth! Mike Grogan uses the framework of a “morning ritual” to illustrate how to apply his simple yet powerful MESSI approach. This approach, which is derived from continuous improvement methodologies and behavioral science, leads to the successful creation of new habits and the achievement of new levels of personal change. Mike’s passion and honesty are truly inspirational; I read “Unlocking the Habit Code” on a Friday night and was so inspired that by Monday morning, I had implemented a new morning ritual (despite the fact that I am a self-proclaimed “non-morning person”!) Well done Mike!

[Dave Kahlenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike truly has written a special book. It's written with a voice which is succinct, direct and yet quite personable. I found his mindset towards looking in the mirror before looking out the window to be something that is refreshing and while I had believed in this before, as a result of reading this book I find that I am much more staunch in my belief in this concept being a keystone to truly unleash the potential to making lasting personal change. I also liked that the format of the book makes it easy to read in small bits and each bit has a lot to digest. This book is certainly among the tops for me. Highly recommend it!

[Serwar Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've known Mike for about 4 yrs and have always been inspired by his commitment to developing one's self so that one can be a valuable member to his/her family, workplace and community as a whole. This piece offers very practical guidance on how to tap into our potential by utilizing habits we already have and leveraging flexibility to tailor personal change by the individual deciding how how to accomplish it. I just completed the book and looking forward to take my own personal change journey. Thank you Mike for sharing your personal experiences and the success of others using the habit code!

[Leoj Nucos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read some self-help books before, but this one is the most practical, engaging, direct to the point, easy to read and easy to understand. It embodies the "Kaizen" practice from Japanese culture, which includes "one minute principle" for self-improvement. What makes this book different from other self-help, motivational, inspirational books is that, it leaves you with a challenge for yourself that ignites the fire in you to take action for any personal change or improvement you want to see in yourself and at the same time, influencing others to do the same by having a success partner. Thank you Mike Grogan for this book, and inspiring people to become a better version of themselves.

[Jerome Rotando · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a practical approach to change in one's self. The stories of how others applied Mike's methods, and used the "21" day approach were instrumental in my making a decision to begin my own journey. The book was clear and concise, and totally on track with how to apply the data given by Mike. Being newly retired (but still consulting), my discipline has been thrown way out of my comfort zone, and I am hoping that I can get back on track again with Mike's methodology. It is a quick and effective book for anyone seeking to change and update their own habits that they see are counterproductive to their lives. I recommend it highly!

[Yves Aguilos · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know that change is the only constant thing in this world - and sometimes, we miss that opportunity if its for the better. However, some people tend to resist change as they always fear the unseen and inevitable. Mike Grogan's Unlocking the Habit Code "unlocks" the reader's potential for self-actualization. I would definitely recommend this book to all individuals that tried many ways to change themselves and yet never felt success.

Thanks Mike for an advance copy of this book. Will add this to my book collection at our coffee shop business so that you can continue to influence people. - Yves Aguilos. Industry Development Advocate.

[Tadeusz Mollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting up early and having a morning routine is the no. one advise you see in any self-improvement book nowadays. This one is short and very practical, and it has, in fact, helped me to get started (again). I like the social aspect of it. Mike wants us to connect not only to ourselves but also to our peers and the world around us. Be good and helpful and seek help if needed. That's an important message, which cannot be stressed enough in times when the "self" has become God. I got the e-book for free in exchange for a review, which has become quite common - especially with self-published books.

[Paz B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike's book is a gift waiting to be unwrapped in the same way that the habit code is just there waiting to be unlocked. I feel very blessed and privileged to read the advanced copy of this book as this means that I can already take action and apply what I have learned and discovered in the book and the stories in it. It is truly the most practical "how to" book on personal change that I've ever read. Mike has provided us with a tool to transform desirable behaviors into new habits, and I can't wait to follow the MESSI Approach and start my morning ritual.

[Ronnileo Dorado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm fortunate to have a copy and read this book in advance before its final release. This book should be in everyone wish list. I've read quite a few motivational books before, I even attended workshop and by far this book is on top of my list. The contents from beginning to end are all spot on... it would make you stop or pause to reflect and really gets you motivated to take on the challenge because you knew fully well you owe it to yourself.
Thank you Mike Grogan for this very inspiring book. You made a difference in someone else life.