Strive for Excellence in What Matters | 1min snip from Zen Habits Podcast

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S2 Bonus - James Clear on Developing an Effective Creative Practice

Zen Habits Podcast

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Strive for Excellence in What Matters

In most areas of life, achieving a standard of 'good enough' suffices, as most tasks do not require exceptional effort. However, there are few critical pursuits that merit a higher standard of excellence. Identifying these key areas allows individuals to focus their energy on pursuits that genuinely matter to them. Striving for the highest quality possible in these significant endeavors provides a meaningful benchmark, even if one does not always achieve it. The pursuit of excellence in these vital areas ultimately leads to personal fulfillment and impactful contributions.

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Creativity thrives not just on inspiration but on the steady accumulation of small, deliberate actions. Yet, many creatives find themselves challenged by the need to maintain a consistent practice. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in building a foundation of sustainable habits and practices that support incremental progress and ongoing creativity.

This week, I’m thrilled and honored to welcome special guest James Clear, a celebrated author, blogger, and thought leader. His book, Atomic Habits, has transformed the lives of millions with its practical approach to habit formation and improvement. James brings a wealth of knowledge on how small changes can lead to remarkable results, making his expertise invaluable for those seeking to build a resilient and effective creative practice.

In this episode, we dive into James’ journey, from his early days as a blogger to the phenomenal success of his book. We discuss the challenges he faced, the strategies he employed to maintain consistency in his creative work, and how he manages the balance between professional demands and personal life. We also dive into the impact of Atomic Habits, the evolution of his creative practice, and his disciplined approach to writing and creativity.

Tune in as we explore the important role of consistency in creative projects, the power of honing one’s craft for long-term success, and the profound impact of aligning your work with your values and goals.

Topics Covered

James' journey from blogger to bestselling author
The foundational principles of Atomic Habits
Strategies for maintaining consistency in creative work
The role of small, deliberate actions in achieving long-term success
Balancing professional demands with personal life
The impact of habit formation on creative practice
The evolution of James' writing and creative processes
Overcoming challenges in habit-building and creativity
The importance of aligning creative work with personal values
Practical tips for developing a sustainable creative practice

Transcript

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

James' Bio & Resources

James Clear is a writer and keynote speaker focused on habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. His book, Atomic Habits, has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, has been translated into more than 60 languages and was the #1 best-selling book of 2021 and 2023 on Amazon and #1 audiobook on Audible.

James is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work has been featured in publications such as Time magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on CBS This Morning and Today Show Australia. He is a MasterClass instructor, alongside the world’s top experts such as Serena Williams, Neil Gaiman and Gordon Ramsay. His popular “3-2-1” email newsletter is sent out each week to more than 3 million subscribers.

James doesn’t merely report the research of others. He tries out the concepts for himself as he experiments with building better habits as an entrepreneur, writer, and weightlifter. In the end, his talks end up being one-part storytelling, one-part academic research, and one-part personal experiment, forming a colorful blend of inspirational stories, academic science, and hard-earned wisdom.