Atomic Habits, James Clear

In the summer of 1830, Victor Hugo found himself facing an almost impossible deadline. A year earlier, he had promised his publisher a new book. However, rather than focusing on his writing, Hugo spent the year involved in various other projects, entertaining guests, and continuously postponing his work. Frustrated by the delay, his publisher set an even tighter deadline—six months earlier than initially agreed. The book had to be finished by February 1831.

Determined to overcome his procrastination, Hugo devised an unconventional plan. He had all of his clothes locked away in a large trunk, leaving him with only a large shawl to wear. Without proper attire to leave the house, Hugo had no choice but to remain in his study, fully committed to his writing. This ingenious strategy kept him focused, and he worked tirelessly throughout the fall and winter of 1830.

As a result, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was completed two weeks ahead of schedule, published on January 14, 1831.

You don’t have to follow Hugo’s approach!

You don’t have to follow Hugo’s extreme approach to overcoming procrastination!

Instead, take a page from James Clear’s Atomic Habits, a book that has become a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve themselves, build lasting habits, and elevate their excellence—one small step at a time.

Atomic Habits occupies an important place in our library. It has provided us with answers to crucial questions like:

• Why is it sometimes difficult to adopt new habits or break old ones?
• How can we negotiate with ourselves to stay motivated and disciplined during the habit-building process?
• How can small, incremental actions lead to remarkable results?

And perhaps the most important lesson we’ve learned: Walk slowly, but never backward.

We believe that, after reading and applying the principles in this book, Atomic Habits will not only resonate with you but will also earn a place on your bookshelf. Inside, you’ll find a toolbox of practical, actionable steps to unlock the potential hidden within you!