It's in the little things... atomic habits and why the goal is not the most important thing.

I’ve seen this book floating around for years now and avoided it as one of those ‘life hack, quick fix’ type books that I assume I won’t like. However, something (maybe it just showing up time and time again) made me download the audiobook. The book is Atomic Habits by James Clear. 
 
This book certainly has its place, but I’m not overly keen on it to be honest. I do think it has some helpful pointers, but misses some of the key things to making lasting positive change. However, I do like the premise and it’s something that has been a focus particularly this week. 

It’s the smallest things that create the biggest impact. 

We can set big, exciting goals, but the goal itself won’t change things. It’s the first tiny action at the very beginning of the journey that is the most important, the most impactful, and where – in my opinion – the magic happens. And these tiny actions can seem insignificant at times, so much so they get overlooked. 
 
For myself and my clients it is often the simple act of noticing when a certain pattern of thought is creeping in. The thought often beginning with ‘what if’ or ‘you’re not good enough’ or ‘you should be doing more/something more productive/better’. It can also be that fidgety feeling we get when we’re uncomfortable or wishing to be somewhere else. The simple act of noticing this and questioning it stops it in it’s tracks and prevents us going into a potential spiral of self doubt, worry, and anxiety. 
 
When discussing with my clients this week the potential impact of simply noticing, and then questioning, these thoughts and feelings… well I could have cried tears of joy when I heard their responses... 
 
“I’ll show myself that I’m more capable than I thought”
“I’ll start to build my self-worth” 
“I’ll remember my talent”
“I’ll give my true self an opportunity to speak up” 
“I’ll ignite a part of me that I’d lost”
 
In the tiniest act of noticing, pausing we give ourselves the opportunity to reconnect with the best and truest parts of ourselves. The parts of ourselves that can, that are infinitely capable, that are talented, and that know we are worthy of whatever we choose.