Brené with James Clear on Atomic Habits, Part 1 of 2
Jan 12, 2022
50:14
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Author James Clear, known for his bestselling book Atomic Habits, discusses identity-based habits and the importance of consistency over intensity. They explore how habits can shape our identities, the power of building systems for success, and the impact of long-term behavioral change. The conversation delves into forming habits aligned with our desired identities and prioritizing systems over goals for lasting change.
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Quick takeaways
Develop identity-based habits by aligning actions with desired identity.
Focus on building systems to support goals through consistent daily habits.
Choose habits that reinforce desired identity, embracing progress over perfection.
Deep dives
Focus on Identity-Based Habits
When trying to establish habits, it is important to start by identifying the type of person you want to become. This emphasis on identity-based habits shifts the focus from outcomes to the process and reinforces the beliefs and behaviors that align with your desired identity. By asking yourself questions like 'What would a healthy person do?' or 'Who is the type of leader I want to be?', you can guide your habits towards reinforcing the desired identity.
Build a System, Not Just Set Goals
Instead of solely focusing on setting goals, it is crucial to develop a system that supports and aligns with your desired outcomes. While goals provide direction and clarity, it is the daily habits and processes that you follow that truly determine your progress and success. By building a system, you create a framework for consistently taking actions that move you closer to your goals, reinforcing the identity and behaviors you wish to cultivate.
Every Action Is a Vote for the Person You Want to Become
Every choice and action you make serves as a vote for the type of person you want to be. Choosing to engage in positive habits consistently reinforces your desired identity, regardless of the specific outcome or result. It is important to release guilt and shame associated with not achieving specific goals yet and focus on the continuous process of self-improvement and growth. This shift in mindset allows you to find joy and satisfaction in the journey, appreciating the progress you make along the way.
Building Systems and Avoiding Mistakes
When building effective systems, it is essential to focus on small daily habits that align with your desired identity and gradually lead to positive outcomes. Avoid falling into the trap of relying solely on motivation and willpower, as they are not sustainable in the long run. Instead, create a supportive environment, remove obstacles, and make the desired habits easy and enjoyable to perform. Additionally, be mindful of the stories and beliefs you carry about yourself, continually refining and iterating your systems to ensure they align with your evolving goals and values.
Creating Habits in Teams and Organizations
The principles of building systems and identity-based habits can be applied to teams and organizations as well. By fostering a culture that promotes and supports positive habits aligned with desired identities, leaders can create environments where individuals thrive and work towards collective goals. Encouraging open and honest communication, providing clarity of purpose, and embracing continuous improvement are key aspects of building effective habits within teams and organizations.
This week, Unlocking Us is going to Dare to Lead! Even before James Clear and I met, I knew this would be a two-part series. I just had so many questions for the author of Atomic Habits, which has sold more than 5 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 50 languages. Not surprisingly, this turned out to be exactly the type of conversation I’d anticipated. In Part 1 of our series, we talk specifically about developing identity-based habits and how we can become the architects of those habits, not the victims of them. We also talk about the intersection of his work and mine, the collective stories we make up, and how our mindsets and our systems can set us up for success. It was so meaningful to finally meet James, to hear his story, and to take in his insights into how he developed such a deep understanding of the importance of consistency over intensity when it comes to forming habits that last.