Get 1% better every day: 15 strategies to build habits that stick ⚡
How Atomic Habits by James Clear can transform your routines to achieve more with less effort
Daniel’s verdict ✅
Atomic Habits is for anyone who’s ready to stop making excuses and start making real changes — in both business and life. James Clear totally changes how we think about progress: it’s not about huge leaps, but small, consistent habits that build up over time. Whether you’re growing a business or trying to hit personal goals, this book gives you no-nonsense, actionable steps that actually work. Clear doesn’t just talk about theory; he shows you simple, practical ways to create real, lasting change. If you’re ready to level up, this is the playbook you need.
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Here are 15 game-changing takeaways from Atomic Habits that’ll help you crush your goals, in business or life:
1️⃣ Tiny wins lead to big results
Success isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about small, consistent actions. Improving by 1% each day doesn’t sound like much, but over a year, you’ll be 37 times better. Want to read more? Start with five pages a day. Want a more efficient team? Try quick 10-minute check-ins. These tiny habits add up to big changes.
2️⃣ Systems > Goals
Goals are great, but it’s your systems that actually move the needle. Want to double your revenue? Sure, that’s a goal, but focus on what’ll get you there, like regular client outreach or streamlining processes. Same for personal life — don’t focus on losing 10kg (22lb), just commit to moving every day. Results come from showing up, not just wishing.
3️⃣ Your identity shapes your actions
If your habits are out of sight, they’re out of mind. Want to drink more water? Keep a bottle on your desk. Want to focus? Leave your phone in another room. Make it easy to start good habits at home and at work.
4️⃣ Make habits easy to start
If your habits are out of sight, they’re out of mind. Want to drink more water? Keep a bottle at your desk. Want to focus better? Leave your phone in another room. Make good habits visible and easy to start, both at home and at work.
5️⃣ Start small, then build up
Don’t go all in right away. Make small steps and build from there. Want to launch a product? Start with small tests or early feedback. Want to run a marathon? Start with a 5-minute jog. Momentum is key.
6️⃣ Make bad habits harder
Want to stop wasting time scrolling? Delete the app or turn your phone screen to grayscale to make it less fun. At work, use tools like Cold Turkey to block distractions. Add friction to your bad habits.
7️⃣ Your crew shapes your success
You are who you hang with. Want to grow your business? Surround yourself with entrepreneurs and leaders who’ve already done it. Personally, if you want to run more, hang out with runners. Your environment shapes your habits.
8️⃣ Track progress to stay motivated
If you’re not tracking, it’s not real. Whether it’s hitting work goals or sticking to a fitness routine, tracking keeps you on course. Use tools like Trello for work or Habitica to gamify personal habits. Data keeps you focused.
9️⃣ Celebrate every win, no matter how small
Rewards keep you going. Landed a new client? Treat yourself. Stuck to your gym routine all week? Get that smoothie. Celebrating small wins builds consistency.
🔟 Stack new habits onto existing ones
Want to start new habits? Tie them to ones you already do. Want to start journaling? Do it after your morning coffee. Want to add daily reviews at work? Add them to your post-lunch meeting. Habit stacking makes it easier.
1️⃣1️⃣ Keep challenges just tough enough
To stay motivated, your tasks should challenge you — but not too much. If work’s too easy, push for bigger projects. If it’s too hard, break it down. Growth happens when you find that sweet spot.
1️⃣2️⃣ Make habits fun
Boring habits won’t last. Pair them with something you enjoy. Have a boring task? Play music while you do it. Hate working out? Only watch Netflix while on the treadmill. Fun keeps you consistent.
1️⃣3️⃣ Expect setbacks
You’re going to mess up, and that’s fine. In business, you’ll lose clients; in life, you’ll skip workouts. The key is not letting it snowball. Miss a day? No biggie. Just don’t miss two.
1️⃣4️⃣ Your environment beats motivation
If you want to stick to good habits, set your environment up for success. Keep healthy snacks on your desk and stash junk food out of sight. At work, keep your space organised to stay focused. Your surroundings matter.
1️⃣5️⃣ Align your habits with your values
If your habits don’t match what’s important to you, they won’t last. In business, if you value creativity, carve out time for brainstorming. If health matters to you, prioritise meal prepping or daily movement. When habits reflect your values, they stick.
👤 About the author
James Clear is an American author and one of the top voices when it comes to building better habits and making lasting changes. His journey into habit formation started after a serious injury in high school, where he learned the power of small, daily improvements. Since then, he’s turned his personal experience into a career, mixing science, psychology, and real-world strategies to help people upgrade their routines and achieve more.
