Book Review: Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Nonfiction. 319 Pages. 5 Stars

Synopsis:

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.

My Review:

This one’s been on the TBR for a few years, but my mentor and small group buddy read it for January, which gave me the perfect motivation to finally pick it up and read it!

I loved the psychological bits and research based on cognitive development and human behavior – I’ve always found that fascinating anyway, personally, but it was really helpful to see why what Clear recommends works. To create habits that last (and break ones that shouldn’t!), you have to change your behavior.

I also particularly admire how Clear tapped into the scientific side of habits while also keeping the book easy to understand and assessable by the average Joe. Clear was funny, relatable, engaging, and practical. Each chapter brims with clear examples, takeaways, and even resources to help you implement what you’re learning. Each and every graph or chart was super simply and very well explained. Clear was able to articulate and illustrate his points very effectively.

This is a book I’d read again, and probably again after that! It does seem to come from a secular perspective, but there was so much to learn that I can only strengthen with the lens of my faith. I can see why this has been a bestseller! Would recommend!

On GraceBought

If you enjoy this topic/book, you may also enjoy:

Take Back Your Time by Christy Wright and Today Matters by John Maxwell