Atomic Habits

Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results

By James Clear

Atomic Habits was a real pleasure to read.

This was one of those listen to it in audiobook format (for free at the public library) and then purchase it for myself later books. So now I can peruse it when I need help destroying a bad habit or kickstarting a new, good one.

Here are a few examples of what Clear has inspired in my life:

Currently, 4 months straight of daily running/work-out.
Earlier bedtimes; trying to get those elusive eight hours.
Finish one book/week. I’m currently exceeding this goal.

I’m not pursuing these good habits for their own ends, but so that I can redefine myself as a more healthy, disciplined, and curious person than I once was. I hope these ‘daily votes’ for the person I want to be will provide indisputable evidence that I am more the master of myself than I’d thought. Thus encouraging new tweaks to my systems and gradual self-improvement.

Next step is to get my partner to read it. I’ve already signalled that I want her to.

Aside from the above personal anecdotes that I’m so proud to share, I suppose I should describe the book:

It begins with a vivid account of a grievious personal injury that the author, James Clear, suffered in high school. The lasting trauma and recovery process calls into question Clear’s definition of himself. He must work hard through incremental improvements to re-establish faith in himself and his capabilities. He overcomes the challenge! In just a few years, he is again respected in his field of baseball.

But not only did the tricks of habit tweaking and personal psychology that Clear learned overcoming his physical injury bring him back to his prefered sport. These strategies bled over into other areas of his life. Now he has become, to anyone’s judgement, a very successful, well-rounded person.

These little stories and anecdotes are peppered throughout the book and make it very accessible and concrete. And the book flows… You’ll finish it in no time. But you may want to go back for more. At least that’s what I did. The summaries at the end of every chapter, allow you to stay focused and remember all the useful tips.

What I’m going to try to retain from this book is :

1.) A focus on creating systems instead of stand-alone habits (see my morning habit stack here)
2.) The Cue -> Craving -> Response -> Reward cycle for upturning bad habits or creating new ones
3.) The direction of change. From identity through processes to outcomes

Anyone looking to improve themselves must read this book.

Did I leave anything out? What did you get from Atomic Habits? Any adjustments in your personal life? Thanks in advance for your comments.