Atomic Habits is one of the books I’ve overlooked for a while. After you’ve read several self-help books you begin to get the message. Having read books like “The Power of Habit” or “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” I didn’t think this would have much to offer.

I was wrong.

I got the audio version after listening to the author, James Clear, on the Tim Ferriss show. It was well worth my time.

Here are my top 3 big ideas from Atomic Habits:

1. Every Action is a vote for who you want to become, and every input impacts your future thoughts.
2. Habits get easy when they become a part of your identity.
3. Ask yourself, will my current habits take me to my desired future?

A little more on each idea:

1/ This framing hit home for me. I’ve found myself side-stepping toxic content because I have in mind, “do I want this to impact my future thoughts?” or “is this who I want to become?”

2/ Habits become easier when they are a part of your identity, and every action you take is one step closer to an identity. This idea is so clear to me in some ways, and an opportunity in others. At some point in high school, staying fit became a part of my identity. As such, I find it incredibly easy to maintain my fitness habits. Conversely, I want to be a better writer and leader, but it isn’t a part of my identity – of how I view myself. More intentional habits in these domains will help get me there.

3/ Finally, as a manager I need to establish a better habit of providing leadership opportunities within my team. Developing top talent doesn’t happen by accident, and if this is a part of my desired future I need to have the habits in place to support that.

If you want to learn more, I recommend starting with the interview mentioned above, and then checking out the book.

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