Embracing Small Habits To Impact Who You Want to Become ft. James Clear - Jen Hatmaker

Embracing Small Habits To Impact Who You Want to Become ft. James Clear

“Are you getting 1% better? 1% worse? Is the arrow pointing up until the right, even if it’s just a little bit? Or have you flatlined? Because if you’re on a good trajectory, all you need is time. You know, all you need is patience. Time will magnify whatever you feed it.”

Episode 03

Hey everybody, Jen Hatmaker here, host of the For the Love Podcast. Welcome to the show.We’ve got a powerhouse in today’s episode. So right now, we are deep in our Embracing Change series. The whole team was, like, really excited about this series, especially when we got this guy to say “yes” that he would come on the show. This is an author and a speaker. He’s done deep, deep, deep work and far reaching work about how we can create a life that literally sets us up well to face change, not not only just to embrace changes we didn’t see coming, but really to get out in front of it. To be the ones who are creating change that has like a major, meaningful impact on the whole rest of our lives. His book is probably one of the most, if not the most popularly recommended books in the last several years for people who want to make meaningful change. People who want to cultivate habits that they feel proud of, that moves them toward being the person they want to be, to free themselves from everything that is holding them back. So, of course, I am talking about “Atomic Habits,” an easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones. And so obviously we’ve got the one and only James Clear on this show today. 

The thing is sometimes everything around change feels hard, right? It seems hard. And we don’t know where to start, or we don’t know what to do, or we have false started before, or the thing that we are aiming for feels too far away. And so  I get all that. Those are all my hang ups, all the reasons for me to like off ramp off any like meaningful moment of change in my own life. So I am personally enraptured with people who can break down a concept and serve it back to us in a different, non overwhelming way. Do you know what I mean? One thing I’ve said before about myself that I know about myself, I have a tendency toward overwhelm, particularly when an idea is front loaded to me. Like here’s this big idea and then it’s just too big. And, I am easily overwhelmed. So “Atomic Habits” has been an absolute game changer for so many people. Millions and millions and millions of people. Finally, sort of building the life that they want through teeny tiny changes. In fact, the book announces on the cover, tiny changes, remarkable results. And it really is that simple. 

I talked to James today…Well, you’re just going to have to listen in, but I’m like, “first of all, James, you and I are starting with beef.” And so I brought to him my grievances, the airing of the grievances. And so you’ll hear that right out of the gate. But also, you’re going to be just excited to hear from him, like he is just vibrant. This material is imprinted on his DNA at this point, and he still speaks of it in such, like, vivacious and vibrant and fresh ways. In fact, we’re at the very end of the thing. And I’m wrapping up the interview and he’s like, wait, I have something else I want to say. I’m like, bro, bring it. That’s why you’re here. Like, what else do you want to say? We want to hear it. So I think you’re going to love this conversation.

Episode Transcript

Making a change in our lives can feel like a big, all encompassing thing; and sometimes we avoid change because of that very notion. But here’s some good news: making meaningful change in our lives actually starts with one small choice at a time, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or hard. This week, we’ve got the inside scoop on how to form habits that you actually want to stick with and someone who is going to let us in on the simple secrets to real and lasting change. James Clear is the bestselling author of “Atomic Habits.” His approach to building sustainable habits has resonated with millions, helping people make positive changes and reach their full potential. 

In this conversation, James shares personal stories and scientific principles to empower journeys of growth and transformation. Jen even shares her personal experience of choosing one small habit to do each day in the wake of her seismic divorce and how that choice radically affected the trajectory of her recovery. 

Jen and James explore: 

  • How to embrace a 1% improvement mindset – small, incremental changes compound over time and lead to meaningful results.
  • The willingness to try different approaches and habits until you find what works for you
  • Why we’ll be set up for success in the long run by having a toolbox of different strategies instead of adhering to specific “must-have” habits
  • The importance of focusing on your identity and becoming the type of person you want to be, rather than just setting goals.

No matter where you are in life —you have it within you to make meaningful and practical changes in your life.



RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE:

 Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear’s 3-2-1 Newsletter

 

 

The For the Love Podcast is a production of Four Eyes Media,
presented by Audacy.

CONNECT WITH James Clear
Shop Jen's Faves

All my favorites for the ultimate holiday gift guide.

CHECK OUT MY GIFT GUIDE

Take a peek around

If you’re not sure where to begin, I got you, friend. I’m always bringing you something new to enjoy.

Read More About Jen