Listening to Atomic Habits by James Clear

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves and branches grow. The task of breaking a bad habit is like uprooting a powerful oak within us. And the task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower one day at a time.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Taking tips from Book blogging community and bookstagram, I started listening to audiobooks whilst doing the household daily chores. With the lockdown still very much continuing and no house help, sweeping and mopping and washing and cleaning take hours every day. Hours that I either spend doing and reflecting on my thoughts, or just getting frustrated with the monotony of  it all. Listening to non-fiction while doing all these tasks, and even cooking gave me reason to look forward to mornings. I even listened during my short yoga session, which was amazing.

I took up Atomic Habits as it was easy to listen to, without anything needing too much attention and mind to understand, still learning to inculcate certain habits for wholesome betterment. Here are my few takeaways from the book. 

“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. No single instance will transform your beliefs, but as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Small habits make a big difference in the long run. We may not be able to see any substantial changes in ourselves in the short duration, but once this plateau is crossed, we can get onto a path towards excellence. It takes a series of consistent previous actions for a major change to take place. Cancer remains undetectable for 80 percent of its lifetime,but then it takes over the body in months. Bamboo is barely seen above ground for the first 5 years as it builds extensive roots, but after that it grows 90 ft in weeks. All big things come from small beginnings.

“When you fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don’t have to wait to give yourself permission to be happy. You can be satisfied anytime your system is running.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Consciously do away with the things, situations that trigger negative habits. Make it easy to follow positive habits. Follow this Cheatsheet.

“Goals are good for setting a direction, but systems are best for making progress.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

I have always believed that small term goals matter. I was never the one with big goals or vision, but I did what was required during the short term - I would study at those particular hours every day. I would go for a walk at that time. I had forgotten this bit of myself in these months, but thanks to this book, I am consciously building habits that I once could not do without. Like writing a post on the weekend. Writing the journal at least every alternate days. Doing a 15 min of yoga or pranayam in the mornings. Reading a hard copy of anything.

“You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current results.”
― James Clear, Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

The idea is to show up. To not let life come in the way. To get up and do that for at least the minimum amount of time. It's easy to continue when motivation is high, but when that falters, our habits for improvement take a back seat. Just continuing for the smallest time every day, to just not break that chain, would do us a lot of good. Tracking habits through calendar crosses or any app can do wonders. I have been using this app called Presently, to jot down a few bullet points or a few lines about what I am grateful for the day. It comes as a reminder at 9 pm daily, when I can reflect on the day for at least a few seconds and be thankful about it. I love using this app, and looking back the streaks of gratitude chains, feel awesome. It makes me feel fulfilled. Counting ones blessings.

Action matters, not intent. Doing matters, not perfection. This is the mantra that we all should live by. Through and through the years watching Marie Forleo and being inspired by her and her guests, I had known this to be true. Practice matters, daily practice, not perfection. Perfection is elusive. 

What did you inculcate from the book.. Any similar non-fiction recommendations...?

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon.