Most of us desire some form of change in our lives. We aspire to get in shape, lose weight, read more, learn to play an instrument, or speak a new language. Maybe we want to earn more money, or succeed in a new profession. The possibilities for growth and improvement are endless. Often times we put our aspirations in writing, setting goals and deciding to make serious changes. But how often do we succeed? The truth is, often times we fail. But does it have to be that way? Can anything make a difference? Might we be able to increase our chances of personal success? Perhaps…
I recently discovered a book, Atomic Habits by James Clear. This is one of the best and most valuable books that I have ever read. The author describes his work as an easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones, and promises that with tiny changes you can achieve remarkable results.
The primary point of this book is that very small (atomic) habits (routines or practices performed regularly or automatically) can produce profound change in our lives. These habits can compound over time, bringing great results.
The author gives the example of the British Cycling team to prove his point. Since 1908, British riders had won only a single gold medal at the Olympic Games, and they had never won the prestigious Tour de France. All that began to change in 2003 with the hiring of Dave Brailsford as their new performance director. He adopted a strategy that required searching for ways to make tiny improvements in everything the riders did. They redesigned bike seats for greater comfort. They put alcohol on their tires for improved road grip. They tested various fabrics to make lighter and more aerodynamic racing suits. They tried different massage oils to improve muscle recovery. They changed pillows and mattresses to improve the rider’s sleep. They even hired a surgeon to teach the riders how to better wash their hands to reduce the chances of illness. These and hundreds of other small improvements accumulated and produced results over time.
At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing the team won 60% of the gold medals available. Four years later in London, they set seven world records and nine Olympic records. British cyclists went on to win the Tour de France in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017. From 2007 to 2017 British cyclists won 178 world championships and 66 Olympic and Paralympic gold medals, and claimed five Tour de France victories in what is regarded as the most successful run in cycling history. How did they do this? They did it by cultivating small, atomic habits that incrementally improved and compounded their success.
In this book the author shows you how to simply implement a system to foster these small habits. Especially interesting is his emphasis on identity-based habits as compared to outcome-based habits. Outcome-based habits focus on the result we want. Identity-based habits focus on who we want to become. True behavior change only comes with true identity change. He gives these examples to help clarify this point. Your goal should not be to simply read a book. Make it your goal to become a reader. Your goal should not be to run a marathon. Instead make it your goal to become a runner. Don’t make it your goal to learn an instrument. Make it your goal to become a musician. Behavior that does not fit with your identity will not last. When a habit becomes a part of your identity, it will last. True behavior change is identity change.
This identity change involves a two-step process. First, decide the type of person you want to be. Second, prove it to yourself with small and consistent wins. These small wins are the habits that you practice. The way to change who you are is to change what you do. Each time you sit down at your typewriter or computer, you are a writer. Every time you practice the piano, you are a musician. Every day that you complete a workout, you are an athlete. The most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but who you want to become. Habits matter not only because they produce results, but because they can change the beliefs you have about yourself.
Read this book. It will change your life.© 2023 Jody Dyer