James Clear: Atomic Habits
In the category of Life-changing Books, I introduce you to the books that have inspired me the most and had a real impact on my life. In other words, I didn't just read them, I was able to integrate the authors' suggestions and ideas into my everyday life. Not all books manage that by a long way, who hasn't experienced it: you read something, think: "Wow, that's brilliant, why am I not already doing that?" And three days later you've forgotten all about it because it somehow doesn't suit you. All my posts in this serial are structured the same way, you'll find:
- the key message
- what it changed for me
- what I exactly implemented
- what books match the topic or feel of the book.
The book that answered my question about the easiest way to establish new habits was "Atomic Habits" by James Clear. That's why I chose it next. Enjoy reading the post and maybe the book too!
Key message: In The 1% Method, James Clear explains how small, incremental improvements of just 1% or so each day can lead to significant progress and positive change in the long term.
What it changed for me: Among other things, the book explains how habit stacking works. It is much easier to establish new habits if you attach them to existing ones. This creates a chain or stack of habits. So, you don't forget new routines so quickly and you don't think about them any more. Example: If I want to do yoga every day, then I can resolve to do it every day at 8pm. But you're probably always doing something else at 8pm, you're somewhere else, so it's much harder to stay consistent. If I say I'm going to do it every morning after my cup of tea, which I drink no matter where I am or what day of the week it is, then I have fewer excuses and just roll out the mat.
What I have implemented: With the knowledge about Habit Stacking, I have implemented a lot of little things that I was always too lazy to do before. For example, cleaning the spaces between my teeth after brushing in the evening (my dentist has been super happy since then :D ) I recommend the book if: you make a lot of plans and then fail to implement them. Start small, stick it to your existing routine and then have clean interdental spaces forever ;)
Books that match: “Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod, “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg