Atomic Habits

Title: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones

Author: James Clear

Source: Own

My Review:

I have had Atomic Habits on my TBR for several years, and this is another book that I wish I had read earlier. I have been reading it for a few weeks, and it is so good. I have gleaned so many nuggets of wisdom from it.

The funny thing is, James Clear isn't necessarily giving us a bunch of new information. He is presenting the information that you likely already know, in a practical, easy to follow way. I easily have over 30 pages tabbed, and hundreds of lines highlighted!

I will say, this book sucked me in right at the beginning. The author begins with a tragic story about something that happened in his life, then he shared a lesson he had learned:

changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you're willing to stick with them for years. We all deal with setbacks but in the long run, the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits. With the same habits, you'll end up with the same results. But with better habits, anything is possible.

Here are just a few points the author made in the first chapter that really resonated with me:

• Success is the product of daily habits-not once-in-a-lifetime transformation.
• You get what you repeat.
• Breakthrough moments are often the result of many previous actions, which build up the potential required to unleash a major change.
• Mastery requires patience.
• All big things come from small beginnings.
• Goals are about the results you want to achieve. Systems are about the processes that lead to results.

And, I could go on and on. Here's what I will say. If you have a routine that you want to make better, pick up this book. If you are trying to form a new habit and failing, pick up this book. If everything in your life feels like chaos, pick up this book! There are so many great points here, I would hate for you to miss this one.

While I have seen/heard people say that the book got repetitive, I think the point would better be made that each chapter builds on the previous one. So, at the end of each chapter, the author builds each habit upon the last one, and they are all listed. I personally thought this was a great way of doing it, because you can see it building, and how it makes so much sense, but I can also see where people might say it is repetitive (but also, how often do we need something repeated before we actually get it).

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):  

No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving—every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems. Here, you'll get a proven system that can take you to new heights.

Clear is known for his ability to distill complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Here, he draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Along the way, readers will be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to master their craft and vault to the top of their field.

Learn how to:
- Make time for new habits (even when life gets crazy);
- Overcome a lack of motivation and willpower;
- Design your environment to make success easier;
- Get back on track when you fall off course;
...and much more.

Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and success, and give you the tools and strategies you need to transform your habits--whether you are a team looking to win a championship, an organization hoping to redefine an industry, or simply an individual who wishes to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or achieve any other goal.