Book Review: Atomic Habits

Today I am sharing about the book Atomic Habits, by James Clear. As part of the 75 Hard Challenge, I must read 10 pages of a non-fiction book. And when you google a self help book, Atomic Habits kept coming up over and over again. So many of you reading right now have probably already read Atomic Habits. I think I was late to the game.

Well, I enjoyed it so much that I am now reading it for the 3rd time in a row. It is such a page turner. It makes me feel motivated every time I read my 10 (or more) pages.

For today’s post, I broke the book down into 15 takeaways. Check these over and really consider reading this book if you haven’t. 

1. Small habits make a big difference.

• Real change comes from the compound effect of tiny improvements over time, not huge overnight shifts.

2. Focus on systems, not goals.

• Goals set direction, but systems (your daily habits) are what actually get results.

3. Identity is the root of lasting habits.

• Don’t just say “I want to work out.” Say: “I’m the kind of person who prioritizes my health.”

4. Habits are built through the 4-step loop: Cue → Craving → Response → Reward.

• Understanding this loop helps you design better habits and dismantle bad ones.

5. To build a habit, make it obvious.

• Put your gym clothes by the door. Leave your vitamins by your toothbrush. Visibility = action.

6. To break a habit, make it invisible.

• Remove temptations from your environment. Out of sight, out of habit.

7. Use habit stacking.

• Pair a new habit with an existing one.
  Example: “After I make coffee, I’ll write 3 lines in my gratitude journal.”

8. The 2-minute rule: make it easy to start.

• Want to read more? Start by reading 1 page. Want to run? Just put on your shoes. Make it too easy to fail.

9. Environment is stronger than willpower.

• Design your space for success. You don’t need more discipline — you need smarter surroundings.

10. Track your habits.

• What gets measured gets improved. Use a habit tracker to keep momentum and stay aware.

11. Celebrate small wins.

• Reward reinforces behavior. Even a mental high-five helps lock in new patterns.

12. Bad habits stick because they give immediate reward.

• Replace them with good habits that also feel good in the moment — even if it’s just a small dopamine boost.

13. Consistency > perfection.

• Missing once is a mistake. Missing twice is the start of a new habit. Just show up again.

14. Master the art of showing up.

• You don’t need to crush it every day. Just keep the streak alive — that’s how habits stick.

15. Your habits are your daily vote for the person you want to become.

• Every action is a step toward your identity. Choose the ones that align with who you want to be.

If you’re applying this to being a happy, healthy, busy mom or growing your blog (like me), these principles are fire (as Benny would say). 

Anyone have a non-fiction book recommendation? I’d love to find another good one!

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow!