i’m finally reading “atomic habits” and here's what I think

coordinating book clubs is hard, but I love documenting my thoughts as I read. here are my initial thoughts on the bestselling book by james clear, "atomic habits."

i’m reading “atomic habits” on audible.

as of june 10, i just finished chapter five of the book— the best way to start a new habit.

honestly, i appreciate audible because i have struggled to find time to sit and physically read during the day. audible is a way for me to be intentional about what content i consume, and reading/listening to a book can be better than music or doom scrolling personally. this is neither an ad nor a plug--- subscribing to audible was actually in itself a way to build a good habit.

i got the book because i figured it was worth an audible credit, and the chapters are long enough to listen in the background of your morning routine. a goal of mine has been to become a morning bird and combining habits aligned with the lifestyle i want to live is what clear calls “habit stacking” in chapter four. he builds on the work of psychologist lauren alexander and others who synthesized how to hack your brain in your favor, in this chapter specifically.

the author outlined the entire book in case you just want the meat and bones.

1. small habits make a difference

2. focus on your system rather than setting goals

3. build identity-based habits

   
   

what i’ve learned so far is that being able to see yourself as achieving the goals can be just as powerful as taking the small steps to become that person. i remember a quote from somewhere in the metaverse, something to the tune of: “god doesn’t give you what you want, rather you’re shown who you are.” i think simplifying your habits and behaviors can make a difference in what you're pursuing when done intentionally. it's a lot easier said than done, of course.

while reading, i noticed that i was already doing some of the things clear highlighted in his book. clear combines elements of psychotherapy, organizational behavior, personal development and encouragement to empower oneself to make tiny changes with remarkable results. i’ve learned to do something similar but in an intentional, solutions-oriented journalistic and interviewing manner for my job and sanity in this political economy. i live by the philosophy of, if we only get one chance to do something, do it right!!

i think finding the balance between the pressure of societal perfectionism and the chaos of simply existing as a dynamic, beautiful person is all one can aim for in this life. just making a simple change to be better goes a long way.

as a result of my own young adulthood, self-love, and personal development journey, I created a personal development lifestyle framework. what began as a spiritual, creative project grew into a therapeutic way to help me evolve into the version of myself who receives blessings, makes miracles, and lives her best life. that came through transmuting negativity, personal trauma, and a lot of shadow work. i'm sure clear talks about that in a later chapter of the book.

similar to “atomic habits,” in the past, I started reading “the artist's way” by julia cameron, which has helped millions of readers unlock their creative potential by getting out of their way. occasionally, in the morning, i’ll take time out to do the infamous 'morning pages' and work through my needs for the day. but doing that requires a series of habits I can't accommodate right now, so she remains on the kindle shelf until I can make more time to do that. (see? creating excuses for myself;)

i also read “the creative act: a way of being” by rick rubin, which i enjoyed thoroughly as a way to enjoy life as a fifth-dimensional creative journey.

but so far, i’ve really enjoyed "atomic habits!" I would say it's worth an addition to your self-help shelf if you're interested in reshaping how you approach things. if you read it, share what you learn with your friends so we can all grow lol! i’ll probably go back and start it over again when i want to revisit why changing habits is important and worth the struggle to leave the comfort zone.

anyway, I hope you enjoyed my thoughts! here are some questions that came to mind while writing this blog post:

• what is a tried and true method to “get your life together” that actually doesn’t work for you?

• what lifestyle changes have you made recently that helped your daily mood remain grateful?

• what habits do you think make you a successful person?

• how do you think your generation handles habits compared to the one that came before you?

wanna share your thoughts about "atomic habits" in your life?

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