Atomic Habits by James Clear: Chapter One Summary

Chapter One Summary – The Suprising Power of Atomic Habits

  • Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. Getting 1% better every day counts for a lot in the long-run.
  • Habits are a double-edged sword. They can work for you or against you, which is why understanding the details is essential.
  • Small changes often appear to make no difference until you cross a critical threshold. The most powerful outcomes of may compounding process are delayed. You need to be patient.
  • An atomic habit is a little habit that is part of a larger system. Just as atoms are the building blocks of molecules, atomic habits are the building blocks of remarkable results.
  • If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your system instead.
  • You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.

Gnostics and the Like…

A good portion of the reading I’ve done over the past several weeks has centered around the Gnostic world. It’s definitely different than a lot of what I’ve learned before, especially when it comes to religious teachings. It’s been particularly interesting to learn about the Gnostic gospels, most of which have been kept secret since their original publication.

The Gnostics’ beliefs were/are quite different from traditional Christian teachings. They believed that the God that created the world, the old testament God, was different from the God of the new testament. A big part of what is taught in the new testament is an effort to release people from the prison that was created. Jesus was seen as one who revealed the secrets that revealed what people needed to do to be released.

Nearly Done….

The Lenten hiatus from social media is nearly over. Although Lent was technically over yesterday, I end my abstinence on Easter Sunday. The time away has seen quite a bit of reflection,, bunches of reading and writing. There is always that thought of not returning to the social media world, but I’m doubtful that will be the case. Perhaps, as in years past, I’ll make a committment to spend a lot less time cruising the internet.

David Lee