“Atomic Habits”: practical examples


Here are some practical examples how to use the 4 Laws from the book “Atomic Habits.”

πŸ”„ It’s a LOOP of 4 steps:

  1. Cue β†’ 2. Craving β†’ 3. Response β†’ 4. Reward β†’ back to 1.

1. Make it Obvious (Cue)

  • Put your workout clothes next to your bed
  • Leave your book on your pillow if you want to read
  • Use habit stacking: “After I pour my morning coffee, I will meditate for 1 minute”
  • Put healthy snacks at eye level in your fridge
  • Set a specific time and place: “I will exercise at 6pm in my living room”

2. Make it Attractive (Craving)

  • Pair something you need to do with something you want to do
  • Example: Only watch Netflix while on the treadmill
  • Join a group where your desired habit is normal
  • Make a habit ritual: Play your favorite pump-up song before working out
  • Bundle habits: “After I do 5 minutes of cleaning, I can play 15 minutes of video games”

3. Make it Easy (Response)

  • Start with a 2-minute version of your habit
  • Want to read more? Read one page
  • Want to run? Just put on your running shoes
  • Remove friction: Sleep in your gym clothes
  • Prepare your environment: Set out your vitamins the night before
  • Reduce steps between you and good habits

4. Make it Satisfying (Reward)

  • Use a habit tracker and don’t break the chain
  • Get an accountability partner
  • Make it visual: Move a paperclip from one jar to another for each task done
  • Reward yourself immediately after the habit
  • Share your progress with others
  • Create a progress bar and fill it in

πŸ”‘ Key Point: Stack these laws together! Example:

  • Make it obvious: Put running shoes by bed
  • Make it attractive: Only listen to favorite podcast while running
  • Make it easy: Just put on shoes and step outside
  • Make it satisfying: Track your streak in a visible app

✨ Remember

Start tiny! Pick just ONE habit and use these laws to support it. Don’t try to change everything at once! 🎯

Curious how the loop goes from (4) to (1)?