Atomic Habits

Happy New Year!! Have you started your resolutions yet? Many of us start to slack when we realize how little time, money, and energy we actually have for working towards goals.

During our therapy sessions, my clients and I like to read books to each other. A fan favorite is Atomic Habits by Columbus local James Clear. After a devastating accident put him in a coma, James had to work very slowly to get his life back on track. After documenting his progress, he learned he was more successful AFTER the accident! In his book, he shares the steps he took, motivational quotes, and real-life examples of how to better manage yourself and your expectations to reach your goals.

Some points that stuck out to me are:

-Coach Dave Brailsford, who saved the British Cycling team with “The philosophy of searching for a tiny margin of improvement in everything you do: If you broke down everything you could think of that goes into riding a bike, and then improve it by 1 percent, you will get a significant increase when you put them all together.”

-We need to change our identity when we want to change our habits. If we can respond to being offered a cigarette with “no thanks, I am trying to quit” or “no thanks, I am not a smoker”, who do you think would give in? Who do you think would stay strong?

-Decide the type of person you want to be and prove it to yourself with small wins. Each time you write a page, you are a writer. Each time you practice an instrument, you are a musician. Each time you _____, you are a _____. (Fill in the blank!)

Keep up the good habits! You got this!
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Atomic Habits can be found as a book, e-book, and audiobook at Columbus Metropolitan Library. You can also visit jamesclear.com for free articles and self-improvement tips.