Atomic Habits

by James Clear

Back when I was juggling multiple bachelor’s degrees and running a startup, I was absolutely obsessed with efficiency. I wanted to get the most out of myself and my life—becoming a walking, talking Renaissance woman who could do it all. In a relatively short time, I achieved some incredible things, and the lessons from books like Atomic Habits continue to guide me today.

Around the time this book came out, I was heavily into the bullet journal method by Ryder Carroll, and Atomic Habits was making waves within those circles. And let me tell you—it did not disappoint. It’s one of the most practical, easy-to-execute books I’ve read, and the strategies it outlines still influence how I approach life today.

When we think about success, we often focus on the big, flashy outcomes. But as Atomic Habits teaches, success is built in the small, everyday actions. It’s about the tiny steps that, when compounded over time, lead to the bigger results we’re after. Achieving any major goal in just a few giant leaps is rare, and more often than not, unsustainable. What’s far more reliable is taking small, consistent steps. These “atomic” habits may seem trivial at times, but they form a solid foundation. For me, this approach was key to avoiding burnout amidst my ambitions and responsibilities.

Atomic Habits isn’t just about hitting goals—it’s about building the lifestyle you want and creating a structure that makes reaching those goals inevitable. It makes habit-building easier and more sustainable, and before you know it, these habits transform your life. Even in times when I’ve lost track of my rhythm, the lessons from this book help me get back on track quickly.

Like any popular book, though, I would advise against following it dogmatically. It wasn’t written to be a strict formula. If you’re trying to force yourself to achieve more and constantly push yourself, this book might not be the solution. In fact, in that case, I’d recommend learning how to do less. But if you’re looking for ways to improve, find more flow in your life, and make lasting, manageable changes, Atomic Habits could be as much of a game-changer for you as it was for me.

What is Atomic Habits about?

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a guide to building better habits and breaking bad ones. Clear’s central idea is that small, incremental changes in behavior—habits that seem almost insignificant—can, over time, compound to create remarkable results. He outlines a system based on four stages: cue, craving, response, and reward, and provides practical techniques to build habits that last.

The book emphasizes that it’s not about aiming for perfection but about making small, consistent improvements. Clear supports his ideas with scientific research and real-world examples, showing how tiny shifts can make a big difference in both personal and professional life. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, productivity, or relationships, Atomic Habits gives you the tools to start making lasting changes.