I believe productive habits are what differentiates successful people from those who are not. Much of our lives are lived through habits – good and bad. If we can create habits that help us be happier, healthier, more prosperous, more productive, or whatever goal you’re trying to achieve, not only will you achieve your goal, you will have an easier time attaining it.
That’s why I wanted to read Atomic Habits by James Clear. In this book, James spells out how to create good habits and break bad habits.
How to Create a Good Habit
- Make it obvious
- Make it attractive
- Make it easy
- Make it satisfying
How to Break a Bad Habit
- Make it invisible
- Make it unattractive
- Make it difficult
- Make it unsatisfying
With these frameworks, James explains each step, complete with stories and practical tips, so you “buy into” what he’s suggesting and then implement it.
This is an approachable book – perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to make and break habits in a step-by-step way. I know I learned a lot (see my takeaways below) and can see transforming into a more successful entrepreneur and Loud Woman, thanks to James’ tips.
My big takeaways:
#1: “I am a New York Times bestselling author.”
If you believe you are something (even if you are not quite there yet), you will more than likely become that person.
This is classic Law of Attraction. It’s also imperative to creating good habits.
I want to be a New York Times bestselling author. By stating this intention and claiming this identity, I can now work backwards to become one, asking myself questions like: How does a New York Times bestselling author spend her day? Is this the best use of time for a New York Times bestselling author? How would a New York Times bestselling author promote her upcoming book?
By believing what you want to become, it shapes your behavior and helps you create habits. This is a HUGE mindset shift for me. How about you?
#2: Make chocolate unattractive.
I love chocolate. So much. I can eat my weight in chocolate, every day, if I could.
However, my body can’t handle that much chocolate. I don’t believe in depriving myself, though, so making chocolate invisible won’t work for me. What can I do instead? I can make chocolate unattractive. If I want a piece of chocolate, I envision it in the cat litter box. It’s amazing how quickly I don’t want chocolate after that.
How Atomic Habits relates to entrepreneurs:
Many entrepreneurs can adapt the tips and steps from Atomic Habits to improve their marketing. Just creating a daily marketing habit can help you achieve marketing goals you once dreamed of.
If you are not sure how to make marketing habits, start with this book. Apply each of the steps and see what happens. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
