Lessons from Atomic Habits by James Clear

It’s that time of the year—the end of one chapter and the start of a fresh, new one. Everyone’s busy setting goals, planning for 2025, and just figuring out how to make the upcoming year the year. And let me tell you, I’m right there with you.

But here’s the thing: I don’t get too caught up in stressing over my goals. Instead, I focus on something much more important—my systems.

Why? Because goals are only as good as the systems that help you reach them.

I want to share one simple yet game-changing mindset shift that has been a major key in helping me stay consistent—not just in my business but in every area of my life.

I first discovered this idea back in 2020 when I read Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you haven’t read it yet, trust me, it’s a must. In fact, I’m still applying its principles today, and they’ve transformed the way I think about habits, consistency, and success.

So grab your notepad and get cozy on your couch, and let’s dive into this life-changing concept together.

But before we start…

Are You Ready for More Clarity?

Let me ask you something:

• Are you feeling stuck trying to build your service-based business?
• Do you struggle with self-doubt or the fear of failing in front of others?
• Have you been putting off launching your business because you’re unsure of the next steps?

If you answered yes to any of these, friend, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news—you don’t have to stay stuck. With a renewed mindset and a clear plan, you can finally take the steps needed to start your business, fulfill your calling, and even make a profit.

The Power of Atomic Habits

If you haven’t read Atomic Habits yet, pause for a moment and make it a priority for 2025. Or, if you’re a fast reader, grab a copy and finish it before this year ends. It’s that good!

Here’s why it’s a game-changer: the book doesn’t just teach you what to do—it reshapes how you think about habits altogether. James Clear explains things in such a simple, practical way that you’ll feel empowered to finally stick to those habits you’ve been trying to build.

The #1 Mindset Shift: From “All or Nothing” to an “Election Mindset”

So, what’s the big idea I learned from this book? It’s this:
Shift your mindset from “all or nothing” to an “election mindset.”

Let me explain.

Most of us approach habits with an all-or-nothing mentality. For instance:

• “If I can’t exercise five times a week, I might as well not bother.”
• “I missed posting on social media today, so what’s the point?”

Sound familiar?

This kind of thinking often leads to burnout, guilt, or just giving up altogether. But James Clear suggests a different way to look at it. He compares habit-building to an election.

In an election, you don’t need every single vote to win—you just need enough votes.

Similarly, when building a habit, you don’t need to be perfect every single day. You just need to show up enough times to “win” the habit.

How This Shift Changed Everything for Me

Back in 2020, I wanted to build the habit of doing a weekly review and planning session. It was something I struggled to stick with before. But after reading Atomic Habits, I decided to treat it like an election.

Here’s what I did:

• I realized there are 52 weeks in a year.
• I set a goal to review and plan for at least 27 weeks—just over half the year.

Why 27? Because winning more than half the weeks felt doable and gave me a target to aim for.

And guess what? It worked!

• In 2020, I hit my target.
• In 2021, I improved even more.
• By 2024, this habit had become second nature.

Why This Works

This mindset shift works because it:

1. Removes Perfectionism
   Life happens. You’re not always going to stick to your habit perfectly, and that’s okay. The election mindset gives you permission to keep going, even after you’ve missed a day or two.
   
2. Encourages Progress Over Perfection
   Instead of focusing on being perfect every day, you’re focused on making progress over time.
   
3. Builds Momentum
   Every time you show up and “cast a vote” for your habit, you’re reinforcing your commitment to it.
   

Practical Examples

Let’s break this down further with a few examples:

Example 1: Social Media Consistency

Say your goal is to post three times a week to engage your audience. There are 52 weeks in a year, right?

With an election mindset, your goal could be to hit that target 27 weeks out of the year.

• If you post three times this week, you’ve just cast three votes for your habit.
• If you miss a week, it’s no big deal—just pick up where you left off and keep voting.

Example 2: Fitness Goals

Want to work out regularly? Instead of saying, “I’ll go to the gym every single day,” aim for three times a week for half the year.

Every workout is a vote for your identity as a healthy, active person.

Consistency vs. Frequency

Let’s talk about another important idea: the difference between consistency and frequency.

• Consistency is about who you are. It’s your identity, your values, your character.
• Frequency is about how often you take action.

For example, if you’re an entrepreneur, you’re consistent in your identity as someone who builds and grows a business. Whether you post on social media three times this week or miss a week entirely, your identity as an entrepreneur doesn’t change.

This distinction helps you stay grounded. Even if you miss a day, you can still show up the next day and cast another vote for the habits you’re building.

Action Steps

1. Identify Your Identity
   Ask yourself: Who has God called me to be?
   For example: “I’m an entrepreneur. I create and grow my business.”
   
2. Set a Voting Goal
   Decide how many “votes” you want to cast for a specific habit over a period of time.
   
3. Track Your Progress
   Use a journal, planner, or app to track each time you cast a vote for your habit.
   
4. Celebrate Small Wins
   Every vote counts, so celebrate the progress you’re making—even if it’s just one step at a time.
   

Final Thoughts

Friend, I hope this mindset shift inspires you as much as it has inspired me. Remember:

• You don’t have to be perfect to be consistent.
• Each small action is a vote for the person you’re becoming.

Proverbs 4:18 says:
“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”

So keep showing up, casting your votes, and becoming the person God has already called you to be.

Let’s Stay Connected

If this blog post encouraged you, please share it with a friend who could use a little inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a review on my podcast—it helps so much!

Until next time, remember: You already have everything you need to start that business. I’ll see you next week!