Week 3: The Power Of Habits

Week 3:  The Power of Habits

2026 Word: Bloom

Winter: Root & Rest

Goal: 12,000 Steps

Book: The Art Of Memoir 

January brought the return of new goals, and the reminder of how powerful habits can be. With this new beginning, I revisited one of the best books on habits and goals by James Clear, Atomic Habits. Clear writes how progress is not about giant changes, but instead the tiny habits we repeat daily.

And so once again I begin with these tiny habits of steps and water consumption, forming cues that create a habit loop, allowing the habit to come easier. Once we establish these habits, they use less time and brain power. 

This year’s goals include 12,000 steps, half my weight in daily water intake, and reading to learn every morning. Currently, the books I am reading are ones I already have. To simplify my reading, I also borrow a copy from Libby, the library app, and listen while working on creative projects. 

Finding ways to make habits more enjoyable or reward based, helps you stay focused. The "Don't Break the Chain" Method: Jerry Seinfeld’s key to success was a rigorous writing habit. He famously advised an aspiring comedian to get a large wall calendar and mark a big red "X" for every day a joke was written. His only rule was "don't break the chain," a method focused purely on consistent effort rather than immediate results.

Habits do not only start at the beginning of the year. You can implement change at any time.  My current yoga goal is 80 plus days strong, and other habits are a constant I no longer need to think about doing.