While browsing the amazon popularity lists, I kept seeing Atomic Habits by James Clear pop up. Now, I typically don’t pick up self-help/motivational books because I never believed them to be worth it. But, I figured I might as well give it a shot seeing it was popular on amazon and apple books.
It was a short listen (I picked up the audiobook version.) Still, it took me a month to finish. It was interesting at the beginning, the way Clear breaks down the different steps it takes for habits to form, and the rationale behind decision making. After that, there were no secrets. There was only common sense, which was disappointing. Yes, I’ll admit it. I was looking for some magic tips and tricks, something that would actually make habits stick. I already knew the tips and tricks Clear tries to stress the importance of. Yes, start small. Yes, break it down into smaller components. Yes, make it harder to avoid. Yes, make it more desirable to complete. These are all the things that I already knew and it was just basically reiterated with extra little science facts about why it works.
I rated Atomic Habits by James Clear at three stars mainly because there was nothing new for me, but I think there might be for others. It may give me the push to try his tips again in the new year. I think might recommend this to folks that don’t know where to start on building new habits, but those that already know the tips and tricks, this might be a library loan type of book!
