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

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Ever start reading or listening to a book and find yourself grabbing pen and paper to jot down meaningful insights. Well, Atomic Habits is one. The thoughtful attention James Clear, author and narrator, brings to his proven process for improvement of an individual, team, or business demonstrates that he lives what he teaches. In his wisdom he applies logical analysis to his identification of components that lead to successful habits responsible for improvement in any aspect of life.

An important ingredient in success is setting goals, one's aim and direction toward a specific target or level of excellence. Clear points out that there are so many who do not set goals after reaching an acceptable comfort level of existence. Greatness comes when realistic goals from a system of small routines are enhanced and maintained by positive habits.

The outcome relies on the soundness of the system, not the goal. Honest introspection identifies habits as procrastinating, obstructive, or beneficial.  Examples of improved personality habits are: supplant smoking with practice on a musical instrument, overeating with exercise and meditation, watching TV with reading or journal writing. Identity-based habits should improve confidence and self-esteem. They develop qualities of a desirable person in reaching that goal. To achieve a goal that advances good to great, a system of outcome-based habits must also apply.

Change is not always easy and James Clear addresses that pitfall in the system. Once a goal is set, specific changes may pose difficulty. The author notes that changing "want" into "is" requires four factors to make the changed behavior habit: 1) Make it obvious 2) Make it attractive 3) Make it easy 4) Make it satisfying. The elaboration of each of these four steps is very useful in creating the environment necessary for goal attainment, success. Improved life has a set of small habits, a system that affects the entire person, to unclutter visual cues in an environment that maintains and promotes clarity.