Is there a secret to accomplishing goals? A lot of us think it's goal setting and creating intentions, which is important to be sure—but if that was the key, everyone would be successful. It has to be something else. That something else is habit. James Clear, today's guest and author of Atomic Habits, puts it this way: “We do not rise to the level of our goals; we fall to the level of our systems.” If you want to create habits that keep you motivated, destroy procrastination, and take you to the next level in all that you do, this is the episode for you! Make sure you listen until the end to learn about a special giveaway!
Who you are, your achievements—all of it really boils down to your habits, the systems you create in your life. The topic of habit is so integral to our very existence that James Clear has spent years researching and blogging about habits and how to best achieve them. He's finally come out with a book of his own, Atomic Habits, and I have to tell you, it's incredible.
Now, if you know anything about habits you probably know that there are a ton of books out there on the subject. I'm telling you though, this is the one! James knew that something was missing from all those other habit books, and that's why he devoted himself to writing this one. Inside, it lists proven ways to build great habits and get rid of bad ones, an easy technique for beating out procrastination, and how to get back in the groove if you break a habit streak—something which I've personally struggled with.
James is here today to inspire you to create systems that support your goals and the lifestyle you want to live. It's about getting one-percent better in all that you do, whatever you do, every day. I hope this episode encourages you to take action, create effective habits, and pursue your best life. Put your devices away and let's do this thing!
If you want to learn more about James and Atomic Habits, go to AtomicHabits.com. You'll find additional resources, bonuses, and even bonus chapters!
I love this book so much, I'm giving away five free copies of Atomic Habits [see below for Editor's Note]! For a chance to receive one, leave a comment below that answers this question:
What are the first two minutes of the habit that you want to build?
Tell us what the habit you want to build is and what those first two minutes might be—that's all there is to it! In a week—on October 24, 2018—I'll pick the winners (completely at random with a number generator). Post away!
Editor's Note: The five random winners have been selected and notified. Thank you to everyone who participated! If you're visiting this page in the future, feel free to leave a comment below about the habit you want to build—support your fellow habit-builders! Thanks for listening!
Thanks for Listening!
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Special thanks to James Clear for joining me this week. Until next time!
Today's Guest
James Clear
Learn how to design permanent habits and beat procrastination so you can live your best life!
- Website: AtomicHabits.com
- Twitter: JamesClear
You'll Learn
- The triple meaning behind the word atomic.
- The two elements James felt were missing from other habit books, and why he wrote Atomic Habits.
- Why James doesn't refer to himself as a habit expert, and why experimentation is key.
- The Four Laws and Cardinal Rule of Behavior Change, and how James arrived at his framework.
- How to prime your environment to make a new habit easier to learn.
- An honest answer to a big, common question: How long does it take to make a habit permanent?
- Why we tend to make the choices we do, and why cravings are really just anticipations.
- How to invert the Laws of Behavior Change to avoid bad habits.
- How to deal with procrastination and jumpstart new habits using the two-minute method.
- How to get back on track with a habit if you get derailed, and more!
Resources
Note: Some of the resources below may be affiliate links, meaning I receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
- The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant [Amazon affiliate link]
- JamesClear.com
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg [Amazon affiliate link]
- The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod [Amazon affiliate link]
- Hooked by Nir Eyal [Amazon affiliate link]
- The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp [Amazon affiliate link]
- Atomic Habits on Amazon [Amazon affiliate link]
- SmartPassiveIncome.com/live