Atomic Habits with James Clear 

James would say that when changing habits the problem isn’t you, it’s your systems. Building new habits and breaking bad ones is tough but when you understand what habits are and how they work you can then apply systems to develop the kind of habits you want in your life.

In this interview, I discuss Atomic Habits with James – his new book. No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviours that lead to remarkable results.

Habis are the building blocks that deliver progress and success. Systems, tools and strategies are what you need to transform your habits. Enjoy this conversation with James Clear

Gues bio

James Clear is an author and speaker focused on habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Entrepreneur, Time, and on CBS This Morning. His website receives millions of visitors each month and hundreds of thousands subscribe to his popular email newsletter at jamesclear.com.

He is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work is used by teams in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Through his online course, The Habits Academy, Clear has taught more than 10,000 leaders, managers, coaches, and teachers. The Habits Academy is the premier training platform for individuals and organizations that are interested in building better habits in life and work. You can learn more at habitsacademy.com.

Topics of discussion 

• Habits, decision making and 1% improvement.
• How habits work – the feedback loop.
• 4 Stage Process – Cue, Craving, Response, Reward
• 4 laws of behaviour change – Obvious/Invisible, Attractive/Unattractive, Easy/Hard, & Satisfying/Unsatisfying.
• Practical application to creating good habits and breaking the bad ones.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Disciplined writing routine. Exercise. Sleep

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

The most valuable commodity is time yet too often we optimise for money. Success is, therefore, free time and having the energy to do what you want with it.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Prioritise Friends

What is one tool, skill, resource, or technique that has helped improve your effectiveness and/or productivity? 

Get 8-9 hours of sleep a night and reading – its a meta-habit.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change in their life?

Life will always have problems, so embrace that and when you do you will develop better skill in dealing with problems.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

A glass of Malbec and a meal I had in Don Julio

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Weightlifting.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

A Manual for Living (Little Book of Wisdom (Harper San Francisco)) by Epictetus

The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“We do not rise to the level of our goals we fall to the level of our systems.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

It’s about what we assign meaning to and less is better. “Whether it’s hidden or not, I don’t Know.”

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

It means getting to focus on the things that matter.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

To reproduce and beyond that, on a higher level, it is to achieve status.

How to connect with James

Check out all Jame’s work by heading over to James Clear dot com. 

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.