How to Build Life-Changing Habits: Atomic Habits Book Review & Key Takeaways

2025 New Year's Online Reading Club: January’s Recommended Book – Atomic Habits by James Clear

Today, I’d like to talk about Atomic Habits by James Clear, the book we are currently reading in our reading club. Specifically, I want to share my thoughts after finishing the first law of habit formation: "Make It Obvious."

📚 Book Introduction

Title: Atomic Habits

Author: James Clear

Publisher: Business Books (비즈니스북스)

Publication Year: 2019


As we welcome the new year, many of us set resolutions. However, more often than not, these resolutions fade away within a few days.

That’s why our reading club wanted to recommend a book that actually helps bring about real change.

The perfect choice? James Clear’s Atomic Habits.

This book explores how small, seemingly insignificant habits can lead to transformative changes in our lives.

Rather than focusing solely on setting goals, Clear emphasizes that goals alone are not enough. Instead, he introduces the idea of “1% daily improvement” as a practical method for long-term success.

At first, I was skeptical. How much difference can a 1% change really make? But as I read the book, I began to see how tiny habits stack up to create massive life changes.

📖 Why I Recommend This Book

1️⃣ Systems Matter More Than Goals

One of the key takeaways from this book is that systems are more important than goals.

While goals are necessary, they don’t create lasting change by themselves. For instance, instead of setting a vague goal like “I want to lose 5 kg this year,” it is more effective to create a specific system like “I will stretch for 10 minutes every morning.”

This concept deeply resonated with me. Every year, I used to set fitness goals, but without a concrete system, my motivation quickly faded. However, when I started a simple habit like drinking a glass of water every morning, my attitude toward health naturally shifted. It became easier to establish other healthy habits.

2️⃣ Clarity Drives Action

When forming new habits, vague intentions are ineffective.

James Clear advises us to define our habits with clear “when,” “where,” and “how” statements. Instead of saying “I should exercise more,” a more effective approach is to state “I will do 10 minutes of yoga in the living room at 7 PM every day.”

Reading this section made me realize why I struggled to build habits in the past.

So, I changed my approach. Instead of a vague resolution like “I need to read more,” I set a specific habit: “I will read five pages while making my morning coffee.” This small tweak significantly increased my reading time.

3️⃣ Your Environment Shapes Your Behavior

One of the most powerful insights from this book is that our habits are not a result of willpower but of our environment.

The book states, “Behavior is shaped by environment, not willpower.”

To build a habit of working out, keep your dumbbells where you can see them. If you want to read more, place a book next to your bed.

This idea had a huge impact on me. I used to spend too much time on my phone, so I replaced my phone on my desk with a book. As a result, I started subconsciously reaching for the book instead of my phone. It was an eye-opening realization of how much our environment influences our habits.

💡 Discussion Questions

1️⃣ What small habits are you currently practicing?

2️⃣ Have small habits ever led to significant changes in your life?

3️⃣ What is the most effective method you’ve used to break a bad habit?

🎯 My Personal Takeaway & Resolution

After reading the first law, I found myself asking, “Who do I want to become?”

James Clear emphasizes that when forming new habits, we should base them on our identity rather than just our goals.

For example, instead of saying “I need to exercise,” tell yourself “I am a healthy person.” This shift in mindset makes habits more natural and long-lasting.

For 2025, I want to embrace the identity of “a person who continuously grows.”

To achieve this, I’ve set two small habits:
✅ Read for 10 minutes every day
✅ Take a walk every evening

I truly believe that these small habits will accumulate and ultimately shape a better version of myself.

📖 Who Should Read This Book?

✔️ If you set New Year’s resolutions but struggle to keep them
✔️ If you want to become a better version of yourself
✔️ If you believe small changes can lead to big results

Unlike typical motivational books, Atomic Habits provides practical strategies to transform our lives.

Why not start 2025 by adopting just one tiny habit that could change your future? Join us in our reading club, and let’s grow together! 😊

📖 How to Join Our Reading Club

🌟 Enjoy an online reading club for just 10,000 KRW per month!

👉 Sign up here: https://bit.ly/한달한권-독서모임

Do you want to make 2025 a truly transformative year?

If so, check out our New Year's Reading Club! 😄

Reading alone is great, but discussing a book with others boosts motivation and deepens understanding. 😊

📌 What Are the Benefits of Our Reading Club?

1️⃣ Weekly Reading Plan & Accountability

Every Monday, we share a reading plan in our group chat.

We keep you accountable so you don’t forget!


2️⃣ Virtual Meetings for Discussion & Implementation

At the end of each month, we meet online to discuss insights and practical takeaways.

We also track our progress together for a sense of accomplishment.


3️⃣ A Head Start for the New Year!

You'll gain confidence and say, “Yes, I CAN change!”

📌 How to Join

✅ Sign up here: https://bit.ly/한달한권-독서모임
📞 Contact: ☎️ 010-8819-7179

📅 Reading Club Schedule

📌 Sign-up Deadline: January 25, 2025 (Saturday)
📌 First Meeting: January 26, 2025 (Sunday) at 8 PM
📌 Format: Online (Google Meet)
📌 Participation Fee: 10,000 KRW (Book not included)

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