Atomic Habits by James Clear – A Book Review

 

Atomic Habits by James Clear

When was the last time I reviewed a book I read? It’s been so long that I almost forgot the feeling. But recently, I picked up a hard copy of a book that’s become one of my all-time favorites: Atomic Habits by James Clear. This self-help book has been popular for a while now, especially among traders, experts, and gurus who often mention it for its powerful insights. Years ago, I read it on an eBook and even listened to the audiobook a few times. Now, having it in my hands again, I remember why I loved it so much—it’s packed with practical steps we can use to build good habits and break free from bad ones, leading to a better quality of life.

My interest in rereading it was sparked recently by Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines' first Olympic gold medalist. In an interview, she mentioned her strategy of improving just 1% every day. It immediately reminded me of Atomic Habits and James Clear’s focus on small, daily improvements that add up over time. I thought, “If an Olympic champion values this idea, maybe I should revisit it too.” After all, couldn’t we all benefit from these small steps to improve our lives and, in a sense, become “gold medalists” in our own personal journeys?

The book centers on the idea that by building small, positive habits, we can gradually improve ourselves and distance ourselves from bad habits. Clear introduces four simple steps to help us make this shift:

1. Make It Obvious: The first step to developing a good habit is to make it obvious. Clear provides simple actions you can take to make good habits more visible and easier to start. For breaking bad habits, the key is to do the opposite: make them invisible or harder to notice.

2. Make It Attractive: Next, Clear suggests finding ways to make your habit more appealing. Rewarding yourself in some way can boost motivation and help keep you on track. On the flip side, to kick bad habits, try to make them unattractive or less appealing.

3. Make It Easy: Clear also encourages us to simplify our habits, so they feel achievable. If the habit is easy, you’ll naturally gravitate toward it. To weaken bad habits, make them harder to do.

4. Make It Satisfying: Finally, Clear emphasizes the importance of making good habits enjoyable. When habits are satisfying, they’re easier to stick with. For bad habits, try to make them unsatisfying.

James Clear’s writing is easy to follow, with clear examples and real-life case studies that make his ideas relatable. He also backs up his advice with proven studies, making the book feel credible and trustworthy.

For anyone struggling to start good habits or let go of bad ones, Atomic Habits offers an excellent starting point. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to make positive changes, one small habit at a time.