Habits, Systems, & Renewed Hope!

I recently realized that the reason I still don’t have a very high success rate in reaching my goals is because I don’t have the habits or “systems” in place, which are necessary to reach my goals. Just like our magnificent solar system, which  stays in perfect order to keep the universe moving in consistent harmony, we can incorporate “systems” into our daily lives to find the harmony we desire.

In my April Post, I shared a link to the book by James Clear, Atomic Habits, because on my Internet search it was suggested as a book to help people get organized. I love this book, which I read years ago. This past month, I have learned more about James Clear and would now like to recommend both of his books: Atomic Habits (Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results—An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits  & Break Bad Ones) and his new companion book, The Atomic Habits Workbook (Simple Exercises for Building the Life You Want). I just listened to both these books on Audible, and they have PDF’s that go along with them. I learned many new ideas, which I love! 

The bottom line is that you don’t accomplish your goals through great self-discipline. You accomplish your goals by structuring “systems” into your environment in such a way that it is EASY to do what you really want to do. By practicing the exercises in the workbook, we can learn the simple steps that are needed to form a new habit and how to break an old habit—by taking the opposite steps!

I am trying to put into practice his now-famous quote:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

I have always had problems with having structure and routine in my life, but I now have hope that I can build the kind of “systems” that James Clear describes in his workbook. He also emphasizes the importance of becoming your best self, not just accomplishing necessary tasks throughout your life. Two  quotes I like are:

“Decide the type of person you want to be. Prove it to yourself with small wins.”

“Habits matter…because they help you become the person you wish to be.”

James Clear also has a weekly “3-2-1” newsletter that comes out on Thursdays, which I have subscribed to. He shares 3 thoughts of his own, 2 quotes of others, and 1 question to ponder for the week. It only takes a few minutes to read, and it gives you “remarkable ideas and actionable insights.” Click here to read for the newsletter of May 7, 2026.

A final James Clear quote that I like is this: 

“The disciplined life looks impressive, but the well-designed life lasts longer. Before you try to find more willpower, design your environment and arrange your day so you're more likely to follow through.”

I’m currently learning to “design my environment” and implement simple “systems” into my life, which I know will help me reach my goals in a more consistent, joyful way! 

I hope you will too!