Book one post 1&2

For my first book selection, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear. I was drawn to it because I've been looking for ways to improve my daily routines and build healthier long-term habits, especially when balancing school, sports, and a social life. I'd heard a lot about this book from friends and podcasts, and it seemed like a practical guide to self-improvement without being too daunting or preachy. I was also curious to see how subtle changes could in fact lead to seismic results over time, as suggested by the book title.

Another motivation behind my picking of Atomic Habits is that I've again and again made the effort to adopt new habits like waking up early, exercising regularly, or getting organized and have found myself at a loss about how to turn such habits into habits themselves. I was hoping the book would give me more than motivational quotes and instead give genuine strategies that I can act on. So far, I've been blown away by how concise and actionable the book is. James Clear doesn't just talk about what to do, he talks about why our minds are hardwired against change and how we can leverage our own natural inclinations to build better habits.

One of the most important things that stuck in my head is identity-based habits. Clear insists that instead of outcomes "I want to get fit", we should frame it in terms of becoming the kind of person who does that "I am the kind of person who exercises regularly". This shift in mindset caused me to consider how I perceive myself and how that might be affecting my consistency. It's not about drastically changing overnight, but being able to consistently show up in small ways that align with a new identity.

I also appreciated the way the book emphasizes the power of environment. Clear argues that we don't so much need to be stronger willed, just build environments that support good habits and make bad ones hard. That's made it easier for me to roll out little changes, like putting my phone in another room during study time or preparing exercise equipment the night before. They feel trivial, but they've really made a difference in my focus and follow-through.

Overall, I’d definitely recommend Atomic Habits to anyone who wants to make lasting changes without relying solely on motivation. It’s not just another self-help book full of fluff, it’s practical, research based, and surprisingly relatable. Whether you’re trying to get more organized, build better routines, or break bad habits, there’s something in this book for you. I’m not even done with it yet, but I’ve already started applying some of the ideas and seeing results.