#348 - Why Habits Don't Demand Perfection with James Clear
Jan 8, 2024
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Author James Clear discusses why habits don't demand perfection. They talk about how habits can change over time and the importance of consistency in building habits. They also discuss aligning projects with personal values and optimizing life by choosing what matters.
Habits are votes for the type of person we want to become, and true behavior change is ultimately identity change.
Habits should be adaptable and flexible, changing to align with different seasons of life and new priorities.
Deep dives
The importance of aligning habits with identity
The podcast discusses the difference between outcome-based habits and identity-based habits. James Clear explains that habits are more than just external actions and outcomes; they are votes for the type of person we want to become. By consistently engaging in certain behaviors, we reinforce our desired identity. Clear emphasizes that true behavior change is ultimately identity change, and habits can help reshape the story we have about ourselves.
The flexibility of habits and adjusting to different seasons
The podcast explores the idea that habits are not fixed and inflexible. Habits may change shape and adapt to different seasons of life. James Clear shares personal examples of how his writing habits have evolved over the years to better fit his circumstances. He highlights the importance of recognizing when a season in life changes and adjusting habits accordingly to better align with new priorities and responsibilities.
The power of consistency, not perfection, in habits
The podcast emphasizes the significance of consistency in habits, rather than aiming for perfection. James Clear suggests that aiming for 70-90% consistency in habits is realistic and effective. He highlights the misconception that breaking a habit once or missing a goal means failure. Instead, he advises having a plan to quickly get back on track after an interruption or setback, as the process of reclaiming the habit is more important than perfection.
Making intentional choices about how to spend our time
The podcast encourages listeners to consider how they want to spend their time and what matters most to them. James Clear emphasizes that our choices should align with our values and desired daily life. Rather than blindly pursuing more money or societal expectations, he suggests being intentional about how our activities and habits support the life we want to live. Clear shares the importance of making decisions based on personal fulfillment and the impact we want to make, rather than external validation or pressure.
I’m no stranger to self-help books. Most of them have left me wanting, leaving me feeling like I’ve been given more to do. But when I read Atomic Habits by James Clear in early 2019, I remember thinking it was the best self-help book I had ever read. It’s no surprise that it’s sold 15 million copies since it debuted. And I’m delighted to have James on the show today to talk about habits and how we can approach them as Lazy Geniuses.