“Atomic Habits” is a bestselling self-help book written by James Clear, a writer and speaker focused on habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement. The book was published in 2018 and has since become a go-to guide for anyone looking to develop better habits and achieve their goals.
Similar to the work of BJ Fogg, Clear’s approach to habits is based on the idea that small changes can have a big impact over time. He argues that instead of trying to make big changes all at once, we should focus on developing small, consistent habits that will compound over time. By doing this, we can create long-term change without feeling overwhelmed before we even get properly started.
As per usual here are five specific activities from the book that you can implement directly in your day-to-day life:
- Start with small habits: Clear suggests starting with habits that are so small they seem insignificant, like doing two sit-ups a day or writing one sentence in a journal. The idea is to make the habit so easy that it’s impossible to say no. Once you’ve established the habit, you can gradually increase the difficulty.
- Make your habits visible: Clear recommends keeping track of your habits in a visible way, such as a habit tracker or a calendar. This helps you see your progress and stay motivated.
- Focus on identity: Clear suggests that instead of trying to change our behavior, we should focus on changing our identity. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” say “I am someone who takes care of my health.” By focusing on our identity, we can create a sense of ownership and motivation around our habits.
- Use temptation bundling: This technique involves pairing a habit you want to do with a habit you already enjoy. For example, if you love watching TV, you could make a rule that you can only watch your favorite show while you exercise.
- Create a habit stack: Clear suggests creating a series of habits that are linked together. For example, you could create a morning habit stack that includes drinking a glass of water, meditating for five minutes, and doing ten push-ups. This is the same concept BJ Fogg promotes.
Overall, “Atomic Habits” is a practical and actionable guide to creating better habits. Clear’s approach is based on research and real-world examples, making it easy to understand and implement. Whether you’re looking to improve your productivity, health, or relationships, this book has something for everyone.
Having recently read BJ Fogg’s Tiny Habits, I think there is a lot of overlap in the concepts described. One thing that differs a little bit is the writing style and tone. Clear’s writing in “Atomic Habits” comes across a bit more structured and analytical. Fogg’s writing in “Tiny Habits” is more conversational and anecdotal, with a focus on personal stories and relatable experiences.
Overall, both authors offer valuable insights and strategies for creating better habits and achieving long-term behavior change. Their approaches may differ in certain respects, but both emphasize the importance of starting small, being consistent, and making behavior change feel enjoyable and sustainable
If you’re looking to make positive changes in your life, I highly recommend picking up a copy of either book, and giving these five activities a try. Remember, small changes can lead to big results over time.
Good luck!