The hype surrounding "Atomic Habits" and what happens when changes still don't work

Strategies for change from the book Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits by James Clear has triggered a real hype. The book provides numerous tips and methods on how you can change your habits and implement lasting changes in your life. My favorite strategies include:

• The 2-minute ruleStart small: Start with such a short version of your desired habit that it seems impossible to fail.
• The habit stackCombine a new habit with an existing one to make it easier to integrate.
• Environmental designChange your environment so that it supports the desired behavior and discourages undesirable behavior.

These methods are effective. But what happens if all these tips are not enough and the desired change is still not achieved?

 

When habit changes fail: the influence of beliefs

One aspect that James Clear emphasizes in Atomic Habits not dealt with in detail are deeply rooted Beliefsthat unconsciously control our behavior. These beliefs, which we often learned in childhood, can block us, even if we have the best intentions to implement a change.

 

What inner beliefs could be preventing you from making the change?

1. "I have to be perfect"The desire to do everything flawlessly often leads to procrastination and blocks the ability to get started at all.
2. "Change is difficult and laborious"With this conviction, you start every change with the feeling that it will be too strenuous anyway. This removes your motivation right from the start.
3. "I don't have time for this"This conviction ensures that you keep putting off change and prioritizing other things.
4. "I'm not the type for it"If you feel excluded from certain activities, such as "I'm just not a sporty person", you're unlikely to develop new habits.
5. "It's selfish to think of myself"This belief prevents you from prioritizing your own needs and implementing changes.
6. "I need the approval of others"If you think that you always need the confirmation of others, you are reluctant to make decisions on your own.
7. "I've never done this before, so I won't be able to"New challenges seem unattainable if you believe they are beyond your abilities.
8. "Success is for others, not for me"This belief can prevent you from pursuing bigger goals because you believe that success is not achievable for you.
9. "If it doesn't work immediately, it's no good"This belief ensures that you give up quickly if you don't see results immediately.
10. "I have to make it on my own": If you believe that you have to do everything on your own, you may be denying yourself valuable support.

Could one of these beliefs be yours?

 

How you can deal with limiting beliefs

In order to establish lasting change, it is important to become aware of these inner beliefs and to question them. Here are some steps you can take to deal with limiting beliefs:

1. Identify the belief

The first step is to recognize the limiting belief. Ask yourself: What thoughts come to mind when I think about implementing this change? What do I believe to be true deep inside me that is blocking me? Write down these beliefs to make them more tangible.

2. Questioning the belief system

Question whether this belief is actually true. Where does it come from? Is it still relevant or just a remnant from childhood? Ask yourself the question: What speaks against this belief? For example, if you think, "I can't make mistakes", then ask yourself: What successes have I already achieved despite mistakes?

3. Formulate a new, positive belief

Replace the old belief with a new, supportive belief. Instead of "I'm not good enough", you could say to yourself: "I learn and grow with every step I take." This new conviction may feel unfamiliar at first, but it can gain strength over time.

4. Anchoring the new belief on a regular basis

Practice making yourself aware of the new belief again and again, especially in situations in which the old belief becomes active. Mindful self-awareness, images and physical anchors can help to reinforce the new belief.

 

Why dealing with beliefs is crucial

Beliefs often work in the background and influence our actions and decisions without us consciously realizing it. They can keep us in an invisible cage, even if we use the best methods to get out of them. Atomic Habits equip yourself. By recognizing and working on these beliefs, you open up the possibility of actually implementing behavioural changes and developing new, empowering patterns.

 

Conclusion

Anyone who wants to implement change needs energy, courage and perseverance. Creativity is also required to successfully overcome obstacles. Consciously dealing with inner beliefs can be the key to releasing blockages and integrating sustainable, positive changes into your life. If you need support, please get in touch with me. Together we will find a way to make your change projects successful.

 

Source

James Clear (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones