James Clear’s Atomic Habits 👍

I’ve been listening to Atomic Habits in my car on my commute. Well, that and Bjork’s Homogenic, because I could never get enough of that, either.

All it is, really, Atomic Habits, is the principles of applied behavior analysis in layperson’s terms. I don’t know why this surprises me. I guess it doesn’t, really. ABA does work if you do it right.

Years ago, I studied ABA with the intention of becoming a board certified behavior analyst. I did very well in all the coursework, but I never could afford the cost of supervision, so I eventually gave up.

I’m not sorry, though. I’m okay with where life has led me.

What I’m really curious about right now (and really, always) is where I’m going.

I mean, look at me. I’m writing again. I’m writing everyday. And no, I’m not doing it professionally and I’m not making any money at it. But I’m doing it, nevertheless.

I can call myself a writer and not be exaggerating. I could not say that five, ten, fifteen years ago. In fact, my boss told me yesterday I write like a writer and I was able to tell him I am a writer.

I write for the sheer love of writing. Would it be nice to make money doing it? Of course. But it’s not necessary. Just the writing is necessary.

Anyway, Atomic Habits is a good book for anyone looking to commit to habit change. And who doesn’t have a habit or two they’d like to tweak? This book can work for anyone.

One thing that is especially poignant is the difference between action and motion. The difference between actually practicing a new habit and just planning for it or thinking about practicing it. The line between the two can get blurry, so you have to watch out.

Like me, I’m a big planner. You all know that. Look at all the grand designs I’ve had to lose weight month after month, and yet, somehow, I fail to actually lose the weight. It’s because I don’t put my big plans into action.

The good news is I am aware of this.

Finally, though, I think I’ve begun to take some positive actions. Like tracking better—not perfect, but better. Avoiding triggers, like Dunkin,’ that send me down the rabbit hole. Less DoorDash for me. Plain water, a metric ton of it, at work.

And I think it has a lot to do with this book. So thanks, James Clear. And don’t worry, I already thanked the lady who recommended the book at that WW workshop.