Lessons learned from Atomic Habits by James Clear

Written by davidgargaro

Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of those books that has received a lot of hype. I believe the hype is justified.

If you’re a freelance writer, then you should definitely read this book. Pick it up at your local library (be prepared to be on a waiting list) or pick it up at the bookstore.

If you don’t know about Atomic Habits, this book provides practical strategies to teach you how to master the tiny behaviours that lead to great results.

Here’s what I learned that would benefit freelance writers (and other self-employed pros):

  • Focus on a system for setting habits rather than specific goals
  • Focus on who you want to become (e.g., a prolific content writer) to establish the best habits
  • The four parts of a habit are cue, craving, response, and reward – knowing these key elements and being aware of your habit will enable you to establish the habit
  • First law of behaviour change: Make it obvious – Make the cues for your habit obvious (e.g., writing every morning)
  • Second law of behaviour change: Make it attractive – Be part of a culture (e.g., writing group) that makes the desired behaviour normal
  • Third law of behaviour change: Make it easy – Reduce the friction associated with good behaviours (e.g., it should only take 2 minutes to perform the habit)
  • Fourth law of behaviour change: Make it satisfying – Set up a game of tracking your behaviour so it feels good to keep going (e.g., fill the boxes on a calendar for every day you write)
  • Find an accountability partner (another writer) who will make you pay for inaction
  • Align habits with your natural abilities (make it easy)
  • Reflect on and review your progress – be conscious of your performance over time
  • All you need to do is get a bit better (just 1%) every day to see results
  • Decide who you want to be, and use small wins to prove you can be that person
  • Follow this implementation formula: I will BEHAVIOUR at TIME in LOCATION
  • Happiness is the absence of desire
  • Your actions reveal how badly you want something – if you don’t put effort toward something, you don’t truly want to achieve it

David