The Magic of Atomic Habits
This month in Harmoneum, we’ve been exploring the Power of Practice; the small, consistent actions that shape who we are becoming. As part of my research I picked up the NYT Bestselling book Atomic Habits by James Clear. I love this book!
Clear offers a profound insight: the most important decision you’ll ever make isn’t how hard you work, but what habit you choose to build. So often we focus on what we want to achieve, but true transformation begins when we align our habits with who we wish to be.
When your habits are rooted in the right identity, progress feels almost effortless.
Clear calls this approach identity-based habits. Instead of chasing outcomes like “I want to meditate more” or “I want to be healthier,” he invites us to start from within: Who do I want to become?
I used this technique once to change my eating habits. I started seeing junk foods as foods for unhealthy people and fresh foods as what healthy people eat. By shifting my self identity to that of a healthy person I could easily decline the unhealthy foods that weren't meant for me. I was surprised at how that small shift in perspective made it so much easier.
Anyone can force themselves to meditate for a week or eat clean for a month, but lasting change happens when the behavior becomes part of your identity. It’s not “I’m trying to stop drinking.” It’s “I’m a non-drinker.” That subtle shift from effort to embodiment is where magic happens.
Every small action you repeat is a vote for your future self. When your behavior and identity align, growth no longer feels like striving, it becomes your natural state.
So rather than asking, What do I want to achieve?, try asking:
- Who do I want to become?
- What small action would that version of me take today?
If you want to write a book, become a writer who writes a little every day.If you want peace, become a present person who pauses before reacting.If you want health, become a fit person who moves their body with love.
If you want to write a book, become a writer who writes a little every day.If you want peace, become a present person who pauses before reacting.If you want health, become a fit person who moves their body with love.
Your habits are the bridge between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. Choose them from a place of alignment, not obligation.
As James Clear beautifully says, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
So this week, reflect on this:Who am I choosing to become — one small habit at a time?
In harmony,
~Delphine