Book Review: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results
As a hypnotherapist and mindfulness trainer dedicated to helping purpose-driven professionals reach their next level, I often seek out resources that can assist my clients in their journey of transformation. My own book, “Six Word Lessons on Changing Habits,” offers short, simple tips to help my clients stay motivated during the process of making a major life change.
For a more comprehensive approach, "Atomic Habits" by James Clear stands out as the absolute best habit change book I've come across, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make lasting positive changes in their life.
James Clear has masterfully combined scientific research, practical strategies, and engaging storytelling to create a comprehensive guide on building good habits and breaking bad ones — in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. The core idea of the book is that small changes, or "atomic habits," can lead to remarkable results over time. This resonates deeply with my approach to helping clients let go of unproductive habits and create purposeful ones. The power of incremental improvements (making 1% changes over time) and the cumulative effect of small actions is at the core of this work.
According to Clear, “the process of building a habit can be divided into four simple steps: cue, craving, response, and reward. Breaking it down into these fundamental parts can help us understand what a habit is, how it works, and how to improve it.”
James Clear’s illustration of The Habit Loop
He introduces the four laws of behavior change and provides clear, concise strategies for implementing them.
Make it obvious,
Make it attractive,
Make it easy, and
Make it satisfying.
Changing habits is not just about doing different things — it’s about BECOMING the kind of person who does different things.
"The ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity. It’s one thing to say I’m the type of person who wants this. It’s something very different to say I’m the type of person who is this." - James Clear
But the most important piece of the puzzle, in my opinion, is the way Clear emphasizes the element of identity in habit formation. He explains that the most effective way to change your habits is to focus on who you wish to become rather than what you want to achieve. This shift in mindset is vital for long-term success and aligns with the work I do in helping clients align their habits with their core values and intentions.
In addition to the valuable insights within the book, James Clear offers a weekly newsletter filled with practical tips and inspiring stories that further support habit change. He also has an app that can help you track your progress and stay motivated on your journey.
"Atomic Habits" is an essential read for anyone serious about making lasting changes in their life. James Clear's practical advice, grounded in scientific research and presented in an accessible manner, makes this book a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Whether you're looking to quit a bad habit or cultivate new, positive ones, "Atomic Habits" provides a roadmap to success.