Are your daily habits holding you back?

If you’re like me, constantly seeking ways to improve your life, this one’s not only a classic but a game-changer!

Let’s get into it, shall we?

1. The Power of Tiny Changes:
James Clear hits the nail on the head with one simple truth: tiny changes bring remarkable results.

Think of it like compound interest for your life.

Small tweaks in your daily routine can lead to a massive transformation over time. It’s not about overhauling your life overnight; it’s about those small, consistent changes that stack up.

2. Identity Shifts, Not Just Behavior Changes:
This blew my mind!

Clear suggests that effective habit formation is not just about changing what we do, but about changing who we believe we are.

Want to get fit? Start believing you’re a person who loves exercise.

Craving financial stability? See yourself as a savvy saver. It’s about embodying the identity of your desired self.

3. Make It Obvious, Make It Attractive:
Clear’s two-pronged approach here is genius.

Firstly, design your environment to make your good habits obvious. Put that book on your pillow if you want to read more.

Secondly, bundle a habit you need to do with a habit you want to do. Hate working out but love watching your favorite show? Only watch while on the treadmill. Boom!

4. Embrace the Two-Minute Rule:
Starting a new habit?

Make it so easy you can’t say no. Clear’s two-minute rule states that any new activity should take less than two minutes to start. Want to read more? Just read one page.

It’s about nailing the art of showing up.

5. The Role of Systems:
According to Clear, winners and losers have the same goals.

What sets them apart are their systems.

It’s not just about setting goals but building systems that make achieving those goals inevitable. It’s like setting up dominoes; once you tip the first one, the rest fall into place.

6. The Power of Habit Tracking:
Clear is all about making your habits measurable.

Keep a habit tracker; it’s gratifying and motivating to see your progress. Plus, it holds you accountable. Nothing beats the feeling of checking off that little box!

7. The Goldilocks Rule:
We humans love a challenge, but not too much of a challenge.

Clear’s Goldilocks Rule states that the best way to stay motivated is to work on tasks that are right on the edge of your current abilities. Not too hard, not too easy. Just right.

8. Never Miss Twice:
We all slip up sometimes, and that’s okay!

Clear’s advice? Never miss your habit twice.

Messed up today? Make it a priority to get back on track tomorrow. It’s about resilience and bouncing back.

Why it’s one of my favorite books:
Atomic Habits isn’t just a book; it’s a roadmap to becoming the best version of yourself.

It’s about small changes, identity shifts, and creating systems that make success inevitable.

And remember, it’s the journey that matters, not just the destination.

If you love a great pod (& not much of a reader), here’s what you can expect from:

The School of Greatness Episode 1542 with Lewis Howes & James Clear:

1. The Power of Habit Formation:

 Clear emphasizes how small, consistent habits lead to massive changes over time. Habit formation is more impactful than setting ambitious goals without a sustainable plan.

2. Focus on Systems, Not Goals:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear.

One of my all time favorite quotes that highlights the importance of creating efficient systems and routines that make achieving your goals inevitable.

3. Identity-Based Goals:

Clear talks about the importance of setting goals that align with your identity.

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”

This approach helps in internalizing habits and making them a part of who you are.

4. Incremental Improvement:

The concept of getting 1% better every day. Small, incremental improvements accumulate into significant changes over time.

5. Overcoming Perfectionism:

The discussion points out the pitfalls of perfectionism. Emphasizing progress over perfection can lead to more consistent and long-term results.

6. Environment Design for Success:

Clear stresses the importance of designing your environment to make good habits easier and bad habits harder. This strategy significantly impacts habit adherence.

Here’s the Spotify link for one of my favorite episodes: The School of Greatness Ep 1542

Great Quotes:

1. On Habit Formation:
   • “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.” – James Clear
2. On Consistency:
   • “It’s better to do less than you hoped than to do nothing at all.” – James Clear
3. On Decision Making:
   • “Decisions set the trajectory of your life. Habits determine how far you follow that path.” – James Clear
4. On Failure:
   • “Failure is not a sign that you can’t do something. It’s merely a question of problem-solving.” – Lewis Howes
5. On Mindset:
   • “Your mindset can be your biggest obstacle or your greatest asset.” – Lewis Howes

---

Start now.

Optimize later. Imperfect starts can always be improved. Obsessing over a perfect plan will never take you anywhere.

P.S.: If you’re on a journey to continuous self-improvement, join our tribe over at #FitnFrugalPodcast for more insights, stories, and a good laugh or two!

You don’t have to do this alone!