Summary of Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of those books you see recommended by everyone and after reading I can see why. I started reading the book in November last year but, most of my reading stopped in December and have only gotten around to finishing it off now. The books like its title suggest is about habits. How habits are created, how to form good habits, how to stick with new habits, how to break bad habits. It describes the process of forming or breaking habits.
Atomic Habits describes a process of breaking habits down into tiny “atomic” increments where it takes only a short time to complete (5-10 minutes max). An example would be teaching yourself piano, rather than learn a whole song learn only a few keys, practice these keys daily until they become second nature then move on to the next keys. While slow at first eventually you will be able to play a whole song, the process of learning and practising these small increments each day compounds until it’s a habit of yours that you play the piano.
My Takeaways from Atomic Habits
I enjoyed the book although I have found the topic of habits interesting and have had previous exposure to the topic when reading about getting a better nights sleep. I hope James Clears words to stick when I am trying out something new I have a tendency to dive in headfirst, obsess over a topic then burn out, either because I am not seeing progress quick enough or I don’t have the skills required to get where I want to be.
Adopting some of the methods described in Atomic Habits will allow me to see more projects/activities through to the end. I read the book on my kindle I would say it would be better in print form as there are a few tables within the book that I found hard to digest on my e-reader.
Favorite Quotes from Atomic Habits
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.” – James Clear
“Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.” – James Clear
“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement” – James Clear
“Some people spend their entire lives waiting for the time to be right to make an improvement.” – James Clear
Closing Words
Would I recommend the book? I would if you have an interest in habits and like to do many hobbies or activities but struggle to keep them up or see them through to where you wish to be.
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