The 3 life-changing ideas in James Clear's Atomic Habits

If you want to build new habits, James Clear's book "Atomic Habits" is an incredibly useful read. Today, we'll look at what I believe are the three most important ideas from the book.

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⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction
01:30 - 1% Better Every Day
05:23 - Identity-Habit Harmony
09:20 - Democracy of the Self

👐 BUSINESS:

[Thomasfrank]

🧐 Hey! This is the start of a 2-part series of sorts. While this video explores some of the really BIG ideas in Atomic Habits, next week's video will summarize Clear's 4-step, tactical process for actually building a specific habit. If you're not subscribed yet, hit that subscribe button so you don't miss it.
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🖊 Quote of the week: “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall.” – Serena Williams

[lewinotusk]

" You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your system."
I've just finished reading it today.
Awesome work.

[joshochoa]

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become." - James Clear

[BehindtheBrand]

Thanks Thomas, I think Atomic Habits is a great book too. One of my favorite ideas from James' book is the trap of thinking we need to spend more time learning before we jump into doing something new. The irony is that what we probably need most in that moment isn't more study or preparation -- it's action. Unless we're talking about heart surgeons or airline pilots, more prep doesn't necessarily lead to better results at a certain point. When we start to take those small, actionable steps towards our goal we are that much closer to achieving it.

[tikkj]

My favourite part was when he talks about breaking down the habit into the easiest first action, then just treating that as your habit goal. I've tried for years to get into the habit of going to the gym, but I didn't succeed because the thought of working out was overwhelming on those days I just wake up feeling tired. Then I decided to experiment with making my habit just walking to the gym, that's it. Literally just the 15 minute walk there, zero pressure to work out. But since getting there is the hard part, I always end up doing something while I'm there. Now I've been to the gym every day for the past 7 weeks with zero issues, just from that small switch in mindset. Got a bunch more from the book ofc, but that part changed my life. Love it.

[mentorclips]

01:30 - 1% Better Every Day
05:23 - Identity-Habit Harmony
09:20 - Democracy of the Self

[QuestionEverythingButWHY]

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become."
--James Clear, Atomic Habits

[HelloFinchy]

Just finished reading this book recently! This is great as a summary.

[joshochoa]

"Focus not on never failing but on never letting failure become a habit of its own." - Thomas Frank

[UniqornGleek]

I just got chills watching this, Thomas! I'm a singer-songwriter who just started my BS/MS in Electrical Engineering and I'm struggling the same way you were. I've used those exact words to my friend who is a civil engineer. "I'm not cut out for this, " and luckily he has been telling me the same thing as you. This is great confirmation for me to not give up on reaching my goals of mastering guitar, foreign languages and finish my degree. Thanks so much for the video and keep doing what you're doing. You're such an inspiration.

[GustavoSilva-nyjc]

This dude is the GOAT of ad transitions... is unbelievable! I don't know what sorcery Tom uses but he constantly makes me watch until the very end and be genuinely interested in his ads.

[rijd]

I also like that mindfulness meditation workbook called 30 Days to Reduce Stress by Harper Daniels for building a habit off daily meditation. It helps me.

[DerekBearzi]

Whenever I try adding a new habit to my routine, it never seems to work out the first time. I think overcoming failure is a big part of the adaptation process. For me, the key has been accepting that failure and having the persistence to keep going.

[socialnijivotni]

I was going to procrastinate gym today because my week is quite hectic but this video made me put my gym clothes and vote for my healthy self <3 Thank you, Tom!

[ajinkyapatil]

thomas has now mastered the art of delivering highest quality with a impeccable masterfulness

[miraclespyer]

Thomas, definitely do more videos like this condensing gold nuggets from great books into easily digestible media. LOVED this one!

[VihanChelliah]

Love Atomic Habits so much! It changed my life. I even just created a Four Burners Theory video inspired by James Clear 😍

[moneyb]

Thomas Frank, Matt D'Avella, Ali Abdaal: All upload at the same time
My Brain: Time to get smart 🤓

[alessandromassa]

Hey Thomas, this comes literally from the heart: I've been following you since, I guess, 2015 and I am so proud to have followed you in this journey.
You are the one youtuber I still follow having moved away from the digital roulette machines - ironically, thanks to you too.
I see you've become conscious, on a personal level, and on broader socio-political themes, you've matured technically and artistically - and idk if you're even gonna see this, but it's just incredibly cool. Plus, you've maintained that lightheartedness which you had at the beginning, but as an adult not as boy. Really, bravo. And bravo to everyone who has helped you along the way. Ciao

[jodiehebb]

I picked up this book from our library a week or so ago after watching your video recommending it. Its great! I'm really appreciating the wisdom in this, and loving your videos.