Building ‘Atomic Habits’ with James Clear: How to get 1% better every day

We do not rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.

That‘s the premise behind “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, top-booked keynote speaker and Founder of Habits Academy.

If you’re looking to operate at a higher level — be it as an individual or a business — then you need to create a system of habits that allows for consistent, steady improvement over time.

The first step, Clear says, is to make sure your habits fit this criteria:

• Make your habits obvious by ensuring the cues that spark your habits are visible and easy to see.
• Make your habits attractive, appealing and fun to increase motivation.
• Make your habits easy and convenient by reducing friction and complexity.
• Make your habits satisfying and enjoyable to increase the likelihood of repeating the habit.

Habits also contribute to identity, Clear says, with each action providing evidence of the type of person you want to be. So before you start building these habits, Clear suggests asking yourself this question in the following 1:42 clip: “Who do I wish to become?”

As you build habits, form systems and see results, you may notice that, over time, your priorities change. Typically, says Clear, most people focus on four main priorities: work, health, family and friends.

As your priorities change — the kids go off to college, a career opportunity arises in a new city — consider changing your routines to fit these new situations.

Or, as Clear says: Adjust your habits based on your life’s “season.” Clear posits this in the following 1:12 clip:

Be sure to watch my full discussion with Clear (member exclusive) to learn more about turning small habits into lifelong, sustainable change. 

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