Reflect with James Clear

In collaboration with the Behind the Human podcast, Reflection is turning some of the most inspiring episodes into blog posts with guided journaling prompts. The podcast, hosted by Marc Champagne, delves into the stories and mental fitness practices of people who are living their lives to the fullest. 

In this conversation Marc sat down with James Clear, the New York Times best-selling author of Atomic Habits.

James shares his insights on cultivating habits that lead to lasting change and a fulfilling life. He emphasizes the power of continuous improvement, encouraging us to approach life as an ongoing process of optimization. James also shares the importance of asking ourselves the right questions, especially those that guide our purpose and help us assess whether our current habits are aligned with our desired future.

"The core idea is that every action you take is like a vote for the type of person you want to become. And so this is one thing, this may be the ultimate thing that I think is really important about habits. Usually we talk about habits as, It’s like a pathway to external results, you know, habits can help you lose weight or make money or be more productive or reduce stress."

He encourages us to think about who we are optimizing to become, ensuring that our daily actions are leading us toward our desired future — reminding us that reflecting on our habits helps us step out of autopilot and make intentional choices that support our growth.

Journaling Prompts inspired by James Clear:

• What are you optimizing for in your life? How can you further clarify your goals and priorities?
  Journal your response → 
• Who are you optimizing to become? How can you adjust your habits to align with your desired identity?
  Journal your response → 
• Am I climbing the right mountain? How can you ensure that you are pursuing goals that are aligned with your values and passions?
  Journal your response → 
• Am I being effective or just busy? What are some ways to identify and prioritize actions that lead to tangible results?
  Journal your response → 
• Is this giving me energy or taking it away? How can you identify activities or relationships that bring you energy and those that drain you?
  Journal your response → 

Go Deeper

James Clear’s insights offer a framework for creating sustainable habits and achieving long-term success. By embracing his wisdom on optimization, self-reflection, and habit formation, you can unlock your potential and create a life that is both fulfilling and impactful.

• Listen to the full Behind the Human episode on Spotify.
• Learn more about James Clear and his book Atomic Habits.
• Deepen your journaling practice with Reflection - your guided journal for growth.