Brené with James Clear on Atomic Habits, Part 1 of 2
Nov 15, 2021
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Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, discusses identity-based habits, consistency, and the intersection of his work with Brené Brown. They explore the importance of becoming architects of habits, not victims, and how mindset and systems impact success.
Focus on developing identity-based habits to become the person you aspire to be.
Prioritize building systems and processes over achieving specific goals for long-term progress.
View habits as compound interest for self-improvement and commit to continuous refinement.
Deep dives
Focus on Identity-Based Habits
When trying to build habits, start by identifying the type of person you want to become. Utilize questions such as 'What would a healthy person do?' or 'What would a leader do?' to guide your decision-making and reinforce your desired identity. By focusing on developing habits that align with your desired identity, you can build a system that carries you inevitably towards your goals.
Building Systems, Not Just Setting Goals
Instead of solely focusing on achieving specific goals, prioritize building systems and processes that lead to long-term progress. Goals provide direction, but it is the daily habits and systems that truly determine your progress. Remember that your outcomes are a reflection of your current habits, and if you want to make meaningful change, you need to develop a system of habits that align with your desired identity.
The Power of Consistency and Continuous Improvement
Embrace the idea that habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. Rather than seeking immediate results, adopt a long-term perspective that focuses on continuous refinement and improvement. Understand that progress is about the commitment to the process and not just about achieving specific goals. By consistently choosing actions that align with your desired identity, you can create lasting change and see profound results over time.
Release Guilt and Embrace Personal Growth
Let go of guilt and shame associated with not achieving goals. Recognize that your self-worth is not tied to reaching specific outcomes. Instead, focus on personal growth and celebrate each action and habit that reinforces your desired identity. Remember that change takes time, and the important thing is to consistently choose actions that align with who you want to become.
The Importance of Systems in Achieving Results
Understand that your current habits and systems have brought you to where you are right now. To achieve different results, you need to cultivate a system of habits that are aligned with your goals. While goals provide a sense of direction, it is the daily actions and choices that determine your progress. Continually assess and refine your habits to create a system that supports your desired outcomes.
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.
