Little Changes, Big Results!

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

Author: James Clear

Reviewer: Richard Sesek (educator, wantrepreneur)

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Topic/Intent of book: This book explores how small, incremental, and sometimes seemingly inconsequential behaviors, when performed consistently can lead to profound changes. James Clear presents a cogent framework for formation of good habits and extinguishment of bad ones. His advice, which is rooted in behavioral psychology and neuroscience, is presented in an accessible format.

I selected this book because: This book was recommended by Volkan Barim. I read this book many years ago, and Volkan inspired me to revisit it. I listened to this book on Audible since I thought that this book would be very useful for me in my current situation. It was!

Recommendation: Yes! This book is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve performance, productivity, and behavioral consistency. It is equally valuable for those wishing to end bad habits. I think this is a good book to share with a working group or book club, because I think active discussion of the concepts with others would provide additional clarity and motivation as well as identifying “accountability partners” for helping to establish and maintain good habits.

Major lessons from this book: Habits compound like interest. While small improvements can feel insignificant, they accumulate dramatically over time. One’s identity drives behavior and can make habit formation more likely (e.g., exercising because you are an “exerciser” rather than because you “should” or “need” to). Sustainable habits emerge when they reinforce the type of person you identify with wanting to become. Systems outperform goals. Goals offer direction, but systems dictate progress. Without systems, goals are rarely realized. “The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban” by John Talty elaborates on this concept nicely with Saban’s common refrain of “trust the process.” Environments can be designed to facilitate good habit formation and discourage bad habit reinforcement by reducing or adding “friction” intentionally.

Book Inspirations: This book pushed me to revaluate my own systems and the environments I create for myself and others. It inspired me to review my current routines, particularly with respect to exercise and meal planning. It also impacted how I think about the identity aspect of habit reinforcement. Motivation gets you started on an endeavor; systems keep you going. You get what you repeat, not what you intend.