I thought I was slipping into a depressive funk again, January was just being a neverending dreadful time for no real reason. I couldn’t put a finger on it. I was keeping up with therapy, nothing grand was ailing me but I just couldn’t get my act together and get anything real done. What the hell was wrong with me yet again?
As usual, tried to distract myself so I was having wine with my buddy when I noticed a book on her desk – Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear.
“If you’re having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn’t you. The problem is your system.”
— I was like, okaaaaay interesting…. say more…
Long story short, borrowed the book, finished it in under 2 days and omuhgard the book is a game-changing manifesto on the art of habit formation.
Through the use of his four laws of behavior change, Clear unveils the secrets to building habits that stick. Take the case of Sarah, who wanted to develop a consistent exercise routine. By identifying her cue (putting on her workout clothes), creating a craving (anticipating the post-exercise endorphin rush), responding with the desired action (going to the gym), and rewarding herself afterward (enjoying a healthy snack), Sarah successfully worked exercise into her daily life.
Sounds ridiculously basic I know, but IT REALLY WORKS. I have been able to get my ass out for a ride on my bike every single morning and it feels so damn good.
The blend of compelling storytelling and practical strategies, coupled with actionable advice, really really helped snap me out of my rut and inertia, early days yet but I know I’m at the very least, NOT dreading February and I cannot wait to get all the shit I’ve been meaning to get done, DONE.
You can check out the audio book for free or if you’re like me and prefer the smell of books, get a good ol’ paperback copy here!