Introduction
As we begin to dive into the second half of Atomic Habits, we introduce James Clear’s 3rd Law of Behavioral Change: “Make it Easy.” We’ve all been there—constantly preparing and planning but never actually taking that first step. That’s the difference between being in motion and taking action. Motion gives us the illusion of progress, but action brings real results. In this blog, we’ll explore how motion can become procrastination and why daily action is essential for personal growth, success, and mastering new habits. We’ll also discuss repetition as the foundation of habit-building and why it leads to long-term mastery.
Being in Motion versus Taking Action
Let’s begin by talking about motion versus action. When you are in motion, you are planning, strategizing, and learning, but never produce a result. Many times people get stuck in the motion phase and never push themselves to take that leap of faith to the action phase. Taking action is the type of behavior that will deliver an outcome. Now, it will not always be a good outcome, but you will be acting and trying. Some practical examples of motion and action can be seen below before we take a further step into this important topic.
Practical Examples
Being in Motion
- Researching workout plans and reading articles on nutrition.
- Updating your resume and browsing for jobs online.
- Watching tutorials on learning guitar.
Taking Action
- Actually going to the gym, lifting weights, and preparing healthy meals.
- Submitting job applications and attending interviews.
- Picking up the guitar and practicing chords every day.
When preparation becomes an excuse for delay, it turns into procrastination. Planning to start a business without taking steps like contacting suppliers or securing funding keeps you “safe” but stagnant. Action, despite its risk of failure, leads to learning and progress.
When we over-plan, it can serve as a distraction from what we fear: failure or imperfection. While preparation has its value, acting on your desires pushes you forward. The discomfort of taking action is a signal that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, which is exactly where growth happens.
Another Deep Dive into the Formation of New Habits
Repetition, or as Clear states: “getting your reps in,” cannot be overlooked. Repetition is the foundation of habit formation, and it’s what makes behaviors automatic over time. For example, Steph Curry, renowned as the best shooter in NBA history, honed his craft through millions of practice shots. His skill is a result of continuous, deliberate reps. Repetition doesn’t just build muscle memory; it literally rewires the brain.
Clear defines habit formation as “the process by which behavior becomes progressively more automatic through repetition.” Much like athletes, musicians, or anyone trying to master a craft, repetition is essential to achieving excellence. For example, when musicians practice an instrument, neural pathways strengthen as their brain adapts, making their playing more instinctual. Whether it’s learning a language, improving at a sport, or mastering an instrument, repetition is crucial to reaching any level of greatness.
Repetition forms the core of mastering anything. Both common sense and science agree: repetition creates change by strengthening mental and physical pathways.
Practical Examples
- Learning a New Skill: To master an instrument, repetition is critical. Through consistent practice, pianists train their fingers to hit the right keys without thinking, and this muscle memory builds through thousands of hours of practice.
- Fitness & Strength Training: Weightlifters don’t build muscle after one or two gym sessions. It’s the repetition of lifting weights—combined with proper form—that leads to strength gains. Each rep reinforces the muscle fibers, eventually allowing for more weight to be lifted over time.
- Public Speaking: The ability to speak confidently in front of a crowd comes through repetition. By practicing speeches repeatedly, speakers reduce their nervousness and develop natural rhythms in their delivery.
Author’s Insights
Embracing Daily Action
It’s essential to integrate action into your daily routine. Tackling large goals—like writing a novel—can feel daunting, but by breaking it down into small, actionable steps, such as writing a page a day, the task becomes more manageable. Likewise, learning a new skill requires practice, not just preparation. The habit of taking consistent, imperfect action is key to growth and success, both personally and professionally.
How to Shift from Motion to Action
- Set deadlines for research or planning phases to prevent endless preparation.
- Focus on progress, not perfection. Taking imperfect steps beats overthinking.
- Act immediately: When you feel resistance, lean in by doing something small related to your goal.
When it comes to forming habits, repetition builds discipline, and discipline leads to mastery. Too often, people focus on perfection, delaying action until they feel “ready.” However, every rep, every small action, makes you better. Over time, these consistent efforts turn into second nature. Taking action daily creates a strong foundation for progress.
Repetition also fosters accountability. Each time you follow through on an action, it becomes ingrained, and at some point, you won’t even need to think about it; you’ll just do it.
Lastly, consistency is a crucial element of success. As a wise man once told me, “Consistency is the greatest success factor.” Those with the discipline to maintain their focus over the long term will ultimately thrive.
Reflection Questions
- Can you identify an area in your life where you’re stuck in motion instead of taking action?
- What small actions can you take daily to move closer to your goals?
- How can you set realistic deadlines to prevent procrastination during the planning phase?
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Sources
Note: The information provided throughout this post is based on James Clear’s novel Atomic Habits. I have formed my opinions and presented them in this blog, along with questions to engage readers further. Check out James Clear’s website for further information on Atomic Habits and more!
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