Atomic habits by James Clear is a world renowned guide to developing better habits and eliminating those that hold you back. Underpinned by behavioural science, the book provides a clear, practical and easy to apply approach to support personal and professional change.

A core concept within this book, is the idea of marginal gains. Although not new, the concept explains that instead of focusing on dramatic or huge transformations, to focus on tiny improvements, that can be repeated over a long period of time and compound into substantial change. A really great example of this is Team Sky Cycling & Sir Dave Brailsford, who famously applied Marginal Gains to achieve extraordinary success.

The book is divided into two main sections. The first introduces the Four Laws of Behavioural Change, a model for creating and sustaining good habits. The second shows how these laws can be applied in everyday life to foster long term change.

So what are these laws?

1. Make it Obvious – bringing awareness to habits and designing environments that highlight positive behaviours.
2. Make it Attractive – Connect habits with rewards and motivation.
3. Make it Easy – Reduce friction and simplify taking action.
4. Make it Satisfying – reinforcing success and creating a craving for improvement.

As an Agile Practitioner, the information on marginal gains is the biggest eye opener for me. It reinforces the importance of continuous improvement but through small, controlled changes. Not only that but how when these improvements become habitual, they can snowball into significant value for teams longer term.

Unlike some other behavioural change books, Atomic Habits doesn’t demonstrate its concepts with a storyline or narrative, however Clear provides practical examples that help you reflect on your own personal habits and work life.

Is this book for you? If you’re seeking a fresh, clear and approachable book for behavioural change, this book is a must read.

For key takeaways from an Agile Perspective, the book provides plenty:

• Incremental over Substantial change(s)
• Identity Matters in driving high performing teams
• Working Practices over Ambitious Goals

Publishing Information

The ABC Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️