As I read James Clear's book Atomic Habits, I am becoming excited about having the tools to make the changes in my life to get rid of negative habits and grow to become the person God has designed me to become. I encourage you to read the book and see how God wants you to have the understanding and tools to grow at a greater rate than you thought possible. Enjoy the overview of Law 1.
Embarking on a journey towards self-improvement and spiritual fulfilment requires us to slow down and become more self-aware. This introspection is the cornerstone of a proactive life, one that is aligned with the divine blueprint for our existence. It's crucial to discern whether our habits serve as allies in this quest or if they hinder our progress. As we strive to grow into the individuals we believe God intends us to be, it's imperative to recognize the triggers of our actions, establish tangible plans over mere aspirations, and engineer our habits in a way that naturally leads to a succession of productive behaviours. Delving into self-control, we must consider the influence of our surroundings and understand why new settings often present better opportunities for cultivating positive habits. Finally, we must contemplate the moments when self-control becomes essential.
As we strive to grow into the individuals we believe God intends us to be, it's imperative to recognize the triggers of our actions, establish tangible plans over mere aspirations, and engineer our habits in a way that naturally leads to a succession of productive behaviours.
ONE: Habits Can Be Our Helper or Can Destroy Us
Habits, the silent architects of our daily lives, possess a dual nature. They can be our staunchest allies, effortlessly guiding us through complex tasks, or our greatest adversaries, leading us astray without a whisper of dissent. The Scripture reminds us, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). This introspection is the cornerstone of understanding our habits. It begins with a simple yet profound step: identifying our current habits. This self-awareness is a beacon, illuminating the patterns that shape our existence.
To unearth these patterns, two strategies emerge as guiding lights. The first, 'Pointing and Calling,' is akin to the Biblical act of naming – a declaration of existence that brings truth into the light. By vocally acknowledging our actions, we transform the intangible into reality, and in doing so, we can confront our habits with the gravity they deserve. The second, the 'Habits Scorecard,' is a reflective exercise, a written testament to our daily rituals. It prompts us to categorise our habits, discerning their nature concerning our aspirational self – a mirror reflecting whether our actions are in harmony with the person we yearn to be.
TWO: Cues That Trigger Habits Need To Be Recognised
Recognising the cues that trigger our habits is akin to heeding the wisdom of Proverbs: "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure" (Proverbs 4:26). By identifying these signals, we can navigate the terrain of our behaviour with purpose and intention, steering our habits towards the good and away from the perilous. In this transformation journey, let us embrace the First Law and the power to reshape our habits and, consequently, our destiny.
The journey to building new habits begins with a single yet crucial step: making them obvious. Clarity replaces ambiguity; the fog of uncertainty is lifted when we define the precise actions we aim to take. Consider the biblical proverb, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). This wisdom echoes the importance of clear intentions for habit formation.
THREE: Instead Of Goals, Create Concrete Plans
Implementation intentions transform nebulous goals into concrete plans. By stating, "I will [behaviour] at [time] in [location]," we create a roadmap for our actions. For instance, "I will pray for ten minutes at 7 am in my living room" sets a clear and actionable plan.
FOUR: Habit Stack - Create A Series Of Habits
Habit stacking, akin to the principle of "line upon line, precept upon precept" (Isaiah 28:10), builds on existing routines. It's the art of pairing a new habit with a current one, creating a domino effect of positive behaviours. For example, "After I finish my morning prayer, I will write in my gratitude journal."
To make a habit stick, it must stand out like a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14). It should be as evident as the daily bread we seek (Matthew 6:11), seamlessly integrating into the fabric of our daily lives. By making our habits obvious, we set the stage for the actions that lead to profound change.
FIVE: Environment Verses Motivation
The power of motivation is often emphasised, but the environment plays a crucial role in shaping our habits. Just as the Bible teaches us to "let your light shine before others" (Matthew 5:16), our habits need prominent environmental cues to become truly integral to our lives. These cues act as beacons, guiding us towards the behaviours we wish to adopt.Â
Environmental design is a potent tool in the realm of habit formation. It's about crafting our surroundings to make positive cues more visible while minimising the negative ones. By doing so, we follow the wisdom of Proverbs 27:12, which advises, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." In essence, we become the architects of our behaviour, constructing an environment that supports our journey towards positive habits and deters the negative ones.
By intentionally designing our spaces—our homes, workplaces, and even digital environments—we can make the cues for our desired habits more obvious. This aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7)—what we plant in our environment will eventually bear fruit in our behaviour. Thus, by sowing cues for good habits, we reap the benefits of a life well-lived.
In the pursuit of forming new habits, it's essential to recognise the sanctity of our surroundings. Just as the Bible speaks of sanctifying spaces for worship and reflection, we can consecrate the areas around us for personal growth. The couch need not be a mere piece of furniture; it can become a sacred space for reading, meditation, and self-improvement. Conversely, it can also be a place of idle entertainment and indulgence. The choice lies within us.
SIX: Create A New Habit - Develop A New Environment
Creating new habits is akin to tilling fresh soil. In a new environment, free from the weeds of old habits, we can plant the seeds of positive routines. Whether it's a novel coffee shop or an unaccustomed park bench, these spaces can become our altars where we offer the sacrifice of discipline. The principle of 'one space, one use' echoes the biblical notion of setting aside places for specific purposes, ensuring that competing cues do not dilute our habits.
However, in this modern era, our mobile devices represent a confluence of countless triggers, challenging our ability to maintain focused habits. Just as the temple was a place of singular devotion, we must create environments that foster undivided attention to our desired habits. Our habits can flourish in predictable and dedicated spaces, bringing us closer to the divine ideal of living with intention and purpose.
The essence of self-discipline lies not in the exertion of willpower but in the design of our surroundings. Just as the Bible teaches us to lead lives free from temptation, disciplined individuals naturally craft their environments to foster good habits. They minimise the need for self-control by avoiding situations that test it. This principle mirrors the wisdom of Proverbs 4:26, "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure." By thoughtfully arranging our spaces and routines, we can sidestep the snares that entice us into old patterns.
When we merely attempt to change habits without addressing environmental triggers, we are caught in a relentless reaction cycle. The Apostle Paul understood this struggle when he wrote in Romans 7:19, "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." To break free, we must remove the cues that initiate unwanted habits. Like pruning a vine to improve its fruitfulness, eliminating a single trigger can often uproot an entire habit.
SEVEN: The Role Of Self Control
Self-control is a critical tool in the short term, allowing us to reshape our environment until it echoes the order and discipline we seek. As we align our surroundings with our aspirations, we make the cues for good habits conspicuous and the triggers for negative habits invisible. In doing so, we follow the biblical counsel in Hebrews 12:1, "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." By curating our environment this way, we set the stage for lasting change and growth in virtue.
In the pursuit of becoming who God has destined us to be, it is essential to carve out moments for reflection and to scrutinize our daily habits. It's about consciously fostering habits that align with God's vision for us and discarding those that hinder our spiritual growth. Instead of vague aspirations, we must articulate definitive actions to cultivate positive habits. While self-discipline may offer temporary solutions, the transformation of our environment sustains our growth by removing negative influences and reinforcing positive cues. This continuous process of evaluating and shaping our environment enables us to live intentionally in the identity God has envisioned for us. As we embark on this transformative journey, we draw strength from the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of a supportive community, as echoed in Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another."
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