Atomic Habits by James Clear Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key concepts from 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear to assist in understanding habit formation and behavior change.

Atomic Habits

A system of small changes that lead to remarkable results over time.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation and rewards.

Cue

A trigger that initiates a behavior.

Craving

The motivational force behind every habit.

Response

The actual habit or action performed.

Reward

The end goal of every habit that satisfies a craving.

The 1st Law of Behavior Change

Make it obvious.

The 2nd Law of Behavior Change

Make it attractive.

The 3rd Law of Behavior Change

Make it easy.

The 4th Law of Behavior Change

Make it satisfying.

Habit Stacking

Pairing a new habit with a current habit to make it easier to remember.

Implementation Intention

A plan for when and where to act on a new habit.

Commitment Device

A choice that binds you to future behavior.

The Goldilocks Rule

Humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are at the edge of their current abilities.

Two-Minute Rule

When starting a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do.

Environment Design

Shaping your physical environment to make good habits more obvious.

Feedback Loop

The cyclical process involving cue, craving, response, and reward in habit formation.

The Valley of Disappointment

The period where progress feels slow and frustrating before habits become automatic.

Social Norms

The accepted behaviors within a group that influence individual habits.

Supernormal Stimuli

Exaggerated versions of objects or cues that elicit strong responses.

Reflection and Review

The process of assessing and adjusting habits to ensure continuous improvement.

Identity-Based Habits

Habits tied to one's identity, influencing behavior through self-perception.

Habit Tracker

A tool for visualizing habit performance and progress.

Boredom

A key challenge in maintaining long-term habits.

When What Is Rewarded Is Repeated

The idea that habits are reinforced by positive outcomes.

Deliberate Practice

A focused, skill-building approach to improving performance beyond habitual behavior.

Decision Journal

A record of decisions made that allows for reflection and learning.

Nudge Theory

Designing choices in a way that influences behavior without forbidding options.

Decisive Moments

Key choices that have an outsized impact on one’s habits and routines.

Timed Cues

Using specific times to trigger behaviors in habit formation.

Visual Measurements

Recording progress visually, such as through charts or lists.

Instant Gratification

The immediate satisfaction that often undermines long-term goals.

Delay of Gratification

The capacity to resist an immediate reward for a greater future benefit.

Pain as a Teacher

Experiences that are painful teach us to avoid certain behaviors.

Positive Reinforcement

Using immediate rewards to increase the likelihood of repeating a behavior.

Identity Change Process

How habits help shape and redefine personal identity over time.

Motivation Ritual

Associating enjoyable actions to prepare for engaging in a difficult habit.

Frustration and Curiosity

Emotions that can either motivate a switch in habits or lead to compulsive behaviors.

Accountability Partner

Someone who supports and monitors your behavior towards achieving a habit.

Lifestyle Identity

How your habits define your lifestyle and the identity you present to others.

Mindset Shift

Changing the way you think about tasks to make them more attractive.

The Diderot Effect

A consumer behavior theory where acquiring a new item leads to a spiral of consumption.

Visual Cues

Environmental markers that trigger the initiation of a habit.

Sustainable Improvement

Continuous, small changes that compound over time.

Psychological Triggers

Cues from the environment that invoke cravings for particular habits.

Action vs. Motion

Distinguishing between planning and executing the behaviors that lead to results.

Cognitive Load

The mental effort required to process information, reduced by automation of habits.

Reward System

Brain system activated in anticipation of fulfilling a reward.

Novelty Seeking

The human inclination to pursue new and exciting experiences.

Packing Your Daily Habit Routine

Organizing tasks for efficiency to encourage habit repetitions.