Book Review: Atomic Habits, James Clear (2018)
This book is on so many recommended reading lists and has been on my TBR (To Be Read) pile for a long time… I am not sure what took me so long to dive in….
In Atomic Habits Clear sets out in a simple and easily implementable way the methods by which we can create (and stick with!) good habits, and how to break those bad habits that keep us stuck. Clear presents a framework with real life examples and plenty of science and research to support his system. And this is what Clear claims makes anyone successful: their systems; how we create them, how we review them and how we continue with them, even when boredom sets… this is what can lead to us reaching mastery level; creating habits and combining with deliberate practice.
Clear’s entry into understanding the world of habits started with a frankly terrifying baseball injury while at high school. This is when Clear had to think small, his injury restricted him from doing otherwise, and it is where he learnt that small changes practiced consistently can have atomic impact: consistency over intensity. Baseball is also part of why Clear stresses the importance of “identity based habits” where we build habits and make decisions based on the person we want to be, rather than a specific goal or profession. That way when a career ends or a goal is achieved or missed, we don’t lose a sense of self, we continue growing according to the habits we have built.
I have read two other books on habit setting (Badass Habits, Jen Sincero and The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg), Clear’s book is my favourite and I would definitely recommend this to those looking to make an improvement to their lives, in any area.
I found the book easy to read, not because the content is simple, but because of Clear’s writing and his use of imagery and examples. Being honest I find chapter summaries a little over the top, that being said I can see how this would be useful for those reading the book over a longer period of time, or when re-reading (which I am sure I will do).
Atomic Habits is motivational, because it tells us that no matter where we are we can decide to make a change for the better, and it is realistic, acknowledging that bad habits like oak trees are hard to unroot, and that we will falter, get bored, and stop if we don’t review and if we don’t follow the rules to make our habits obvious, easy, attractive and satisfying.
Some new and reinforced ideas I took from this book are:
Every day we can take actions and make decisions that take us in the direction of the person we want to be. Ask yourself, does this match the actions of the person I want to be?
Habits can be small and simple by stacking / linking new habits with existing everyday routines, like practicing gratitude while brushing your teeth.
People close to us and our environment can have a big impact on our habits and personal growth, use them to build commitment (accountability partners please) and make habits easy and visible.
Just outside of our comfort zone is where the Goldilocks rule makes our motivation tick.
Have you read Atomic Habits? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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