How to build good habits
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become. That’s the power of habits, they quietly shape your future long before you even notice. But the real question is: how do you build good ones and make them last?
Building habits isn’t about willpower, its’ about systems and the more you have effective ones in place that will push you when you can’t push yourself, the more you will be setting yourself up for success in the long run.
So in this edition of my blog, I’m going to be sharing how you can build good habits and put systems in place that will ensure you keep doing them, based on the ideas from James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits.
1. Why habits matter?
Habits compound over time, just like interest in a bank account. Every action that you take no matter how big or small will add up and reap results. Those results will either work for you by helping you grow or against you by holding you back.
Think about it: reading 10 pages a day might not feel like much, but in a year that’s over 3,500 pages, or roughly a dozen books. On the other hand, scrolling through your phone for “just 10 minutes” a day quickly turns into hours lost every month. Small habits don’t stay small, they multiply.
That’s why habits matter so much. They shape your identity, determine your progress, and create the foundation for your future. In James Clear’s words, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement - small changes accumulate into remarkable results”
2. How habits work
In the book, “Atomic Habits,” James Clear breaks the process of building new habits into four simple laws.
- Make it Obvious
Principle: Design your environment so the habit is easy to notice.
Example: If you want to drink more water, place a full water bottle on your desk where you’ll see it all day.
- Make it Attractive
Principle: Pair the habit with something enjoyable so you’ll look forward to it.
Example: Only listen to your favorite podcast while going for a walk. The walk becomes something you want to do, not something you “have to” do.
- Make it Easy
Principle: Reduce friction and start small. The simpler the habit, the more likely you’ll do it.
Example: Want to build a reading habit? Instead of committing to 30 minutes, start with just reading 1 page each night before bed.
- Make it Satisfying
Principle: Reward yourself immediately so the habit feels good in the moment.
Example: After finishing your workout, mark it off on a habit tracker or put a checkmark on your calendar. The visual progress gives you a sense of accomplishment.
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3. Mistakes to avoid
Starting a new habit is the most exciting thing in the world. The motivation is high, the planning is complete and the only thing left is implementing it. But this is also the stage where most people slip up. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
Starting Too Big
We get ambitious and try to run 5 miles on day one, or read 50 pages in a night. But habits stick best when they start small and grow gradually. Think “two pushups” instead of “one hour workout.”Relying Only on Motivation
Motivation comes and goes. If your habit depends on feeling inspired, it won’t last. Systems and environments are more reliable than willpower, so design your environment in a way that doesn’t make you rely on motivation.Expecting Overnight Results
Habits are like seeds, you don’t plant them today and see a tree tomorrow. Progress feels invisible at first, but it compounds over time. Impatience makes many people quit too early, so be patient and wait.Quitting After Missing a Day
Missing once is normal. Missing twice is a setback. James Clear’s advice: “Missing once is a mistake. Missing twice is the start of a new habit.” The key is to get back on track quickly instead of letting one mistake spiral into giving up.
4. How to stick to it
The only way to stick to a habit is of it becomes part of your identity. Instead of saying, “I want to run three times a week,” say, “I’m the kind of person who doesn’t miss a run.” When you shift from doing to becoming, your habits are no longer something you force yourself to do, they’re simply who you are.
Here are a few strategies to help make your habits stick:
Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes
Don’t just set a goal like “read 20 books this year.” Instead, start seeing yourself as “a reader.” Each time you pick up a book, you’re casting a vote for that identity.Design Your Environment
Make good habits easy and bad habits hard. If you want to eat healthier, keep fruit on the counter and hide the junk food in the back of the pantry. Your environment should pull you toward success.Use Habit Tracking
Marking an “X” on the calendar, checking a box, or using an app helps you see your streak. Progress becomes visible, which makes it rewarding to keep going.Stick to the “Never Miss Twice” Rule
Missing one day won’t break you, but two days in a row can. Hold yourself to this rule, it will help you bounce back quickly and keep your momentum strong.
In the end, habits aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up often enough for small actions to compound into big change.
At the end of the day, your life is the sum of your habits. The small choices you make daily are building the future you’ll step into tomorrow. As James Clear reminds us in Atomic Habits, you don’t need massive changes to transform your life, you need small, consistent actions that compound over time.
Start by making your habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. Avoid the common mistakes, and most importantly, build habits around the kind of person you want to become. Remember: every action you take is a vote for your future self. So cast your votes wisely, stay consistent, and become 1% better everyday.
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If you’re serious about leveling up your life and building habits that stick, make sure to grab my Level Up Habit Tracker - it’s designed to help you stay consistent, focused, and unstoppable. Get it here.
I hope this brought you some clarity and inspiration. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next edition. Until then, keep growing and showing up for yourself.