Even on the off chance that you don’t know someone who engages in “too much” behavior, the book Scarcity Brain, by Michael Easter, is an interesting read, with enough stories and anecdotes and reporting on peer-reviewed studies to help you feel informed and entertained. For most of us, though, the concept that there is a scarcity loop that keeps us stuck in repetitive behavior is important information that may help us change our lives.

The premise of Easter’s book is the well-accepted concept that there is a three-part loop that keeps us trapped in unwanted behaviors. The first part is opportunity (making something easy to do/acquire). The second is unpredictable rewards (sometimes you win a little on the slot machine, sometimes you don’t), and quick repeatability (keep scrolling and you might run across another interesting video on your social media).

Knowledge of this loop informs gambling casinos and social media, with experts hired to integrate these concepts into business structures. It’s also involved in things like over-eating, over-drinking, and over-shopping.

Easter also integrates ideas on breaking these habits, which essentially involves disrupting one of the three parts to the scarcity loop.

As usual, clients and former clients are welcome to borrow the copy in my office. Others can find copies through local bookstores and national outlets.