Right now I’m reading the amazing book Atomic Habits by James Clear. I highly recommend it!
Atomic Habits can be defined as an extremely small amount of change to a routine or practice that is performed regularly.
For me, the most recent “Atomic Habit” that I adopted was reading 10 pages of non-fiction daily. I adopted this prior to starting the book and I stop at 10 pages every morning regardless of if I want to read more or have the time. I’ve been doing this for the last few months and have finished more books in that time then I had in the last 20 years. I’m not kidding.
The book is making it even easier for me to understand and the key was making a small, super attainable change. Clear says “changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them for years. We all deal with setbacks but in the long run, the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits. With the same habits, you’ll end up with the same results. But with better habits, anything is possible.”
At One Life, we talk about this with our clients. Focusing on the process, the simple behaviors and habits we need to adopt to be successful in health, fitness, and life long term.
Instead of trying to workout 5 days per week, start with 1. Then 2. Then 3. Etc.
Instead of going on a super restrictive diet, start to focus on drinking enough water daily. Then add more vegetables. Then try to get in protein with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Small, daily wins will compound over months, years, and decades.
Focus on the process and don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Have a happy and safe Memorial Day,
Tim.