What Could You Get 1% Better At Every Day?

I recently finished reading Atomic Habits by James Clear and it got me thinking.

What we do unconsciously daily, in large part creates our future. Creating habits that help you, cleanliness, education, fitness, politeness, helpfulness, a positive attitude, will create personal value in your life, but not right away, in time my friend.

And that’s the hard part. We want to be gratified instantly with the work we’re putting in. 

Create bad habits daily, laziness, bitterness, being grumpy, frowning for no reason, binge watching tv, endlessly scrolling on social media, all things you can control but choose to not care about. In time these actions add up and you can’t reverse habits you’ve learned over the years.

The authors thesis is understanding what habits you do regularly, those add up over time and create your future self. After-all, Steve Jobs said it best when he said “Up until thirty you control your habits. After thirty your habits control you.” 

Brushing your teeth regularly as a kid was difficult because you had no idea the long term affect. Get your first cavity filled and you realize even a little neglect of your teeth goes a long way.

As an adult I find brushing and flossing much easier because I know the results I’m creating.

What habits do you practice daily that have no short term benefit? Running? Reading? Creating? Writing? Painting? Singing?

What things do you want to get better at and be an expert at in 10 years? These are the things you need to be practicing daily.

The other part the author talks about is creating habits inadvertently. Always come home upset with stress from work? You’re creating a habit.

Always wake up excited to go to work? You’re creating a habit.

Always complain about meeting with clients? You’re creating a habit.

Always scroll on social media until you’re miserable? You’re creating a habit.

Always read at least a page in your book before bed? You’re creating a habit.

The scary part is you may not know the habits you’re creating in your own life until it’s too late.

Read the book, it’s work it. Big thanks to Cat for the recommendation!!