Ep. 165 | Habits (with James Clear)

Joshua & Ryan are joined by James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, to talk about creating new, empowering habits. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
How do I select and develop the habits to foster my passions? (15:44)
How do I determine where to start with new habits when I’m overwhelmed by the options? (51:05)
How do I break the habit of never saying “no”? (1:03:49)
Follow The Minimalists:
Blog: minimalists.com
Podcast: minimalists.com/podcast
Twitter: / theminimalists
Instagram: / theminimalists
Facebook: / theminimalists
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
Support The Minimalists: minimalists.com/support
#TheMinimalists

[@ing2864]

James Clear is brilliant. Would’ve been nice to hear more from him

[@carolgeorge6409]

Me also

[@prestonnyoni8168]

Bad interviewers 🤦🏽‍♂️ let the guests speak

[@rachaelhoover137]

​@@prestonnyoni8168I disagree. Do you notice how Ryan always tries to turn the conversation back to James's book? I think Ryan tries hard to keep Josh on track He doesn't get enough credit for that. Josh is a bright guy but most bright people love to hear themselves talk 😄

[@swifty_thrift]

@@rachaelhoover137agreed- I loved that so much from Ryan this episode!

[@ascott7235]

Love you guys but would have liked to hear more from James about his excellent book

[@carolgeorge6409]

Love you guys but wouldv’e love to hear what James Clear had to say!!!!!!

[@swifty_thrift]

Love hearing Ryan be so excited about a topic and take the reigns on the conversation

[@snowwflower967]

I wanted to listen more Ryan's thoughts. I also love when he respect others talks and listen them carefully

[@Nicolas-ht4iv]

i would love to see you guys bring this amazing guy back to the podcast

[@aprilscarface]

So I'm in Virginia and I watched this episode earlier this afternoon. It's now about 8pm and I was going to go to bed without writing because I just wasn't feeling it. Then I remembered what you guys were saying and I decided to show up and do one of the creative writing exercises in my creative writing journal. As I was writing, ideas/thoughts started coming to me. I felt so good afterwards. I'm so glad I decided to just show up. Thank you for providing such a valuable podcast.

[@juliegaskill1462]

When you have a guest, let them talk more. Love you guys.

[@housecleaners4124]

Thank you so much ! I hear this channel every day, And therapy helps to I work with ppl with clutter in their home , I went through this transition my self my mom past from cancer 7 years ago, My depression and clutter in my home was horrible my shopping habits were outs of control I thought that if I would buy things I would be happy, but I was not, I started simply by throwing things I don’t need and praying and crying every time after I threw a bag ,every time I throw something I say Let go and let god and then I cry Then if I stil feel guilty I hug my self or go to the mirror and give my self a high five in the mirror! Becouse I need to feel good ! Don’t care to do weird things I order to get that back, Ladys it works ! We deserve love and freedom! No guilt

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Why did you take James’ precious time and then not let him speak??? You guys are incredibly insightful, but so are your guests.

[@YTkalaajkal]

I think James Clear was there to here the podcasters.

[@amdonut8091]

Due to unforseen circumstances, last week I decided to move out of my apartment. I have been binge listening to The Minimalists. After so much cleaning up, throwing away, decluttering, reexamining, and then doing the same thing over and over again, I have realized how many experiences I have truly had, and how much of the excess material from those experiences I should and am ready to let go of. My identity has truly morphed over time and going through all this stuff allowed me to confront and embrace that, and then doing something about all the left overs of those one time experiences that I didn't know at the time would be "one time". Thank you guys for all your help, as a society it would be healthy if we all did this more often.

[@annaalm18]

I love James Clear. His book Atomic Habits is EPIC!

[@JakeAdams27]

You guys seem very kind and good natured but it is so strange to invite James just to have him sit and listen to you give the advice the whole time? Nice conversation but very much just that. I would certainly give Ryan more credit for being engaging however wish we got to hear more of James thoughts and insights.

[@Catmop_]

Rich roll has a great podcast with James Clear. Check it out!

[@dorisvandusen9072]

great

[@kallistoindrani5689]

I do love Ryan's laugh!

[@marie-soleildobie984]

Since I watched your documentary, I am diving in minimalisim. Since I'm a New mom I listen to your podcast at night. Really love IT!!

[@taylorjanegreen1]

I enjoyed this immensely! I liked the banter! He is on so many interviews doing most of the talking, it was refreshing to hear everybody weigh in.

[@sarahschroeder4739]

Master the "Art of Showing Up." Love this sooo much!!

[@gloriabatista8619]

The minimalist have changed my life in such an amazing way, thank you thank you!

[@AB-fq4mr]

James Clear took 5 bathroom breaks during this podcast and nobody noticed.

[@lauriecampbell1378]

I started reading Atomic Habits several days ago! Love the book and am so glad to see James Clear on your show!

[@meryemhammachi1755]

Where to get it ?

[@lauriecampbell1378]

I bought it at Amazon.

[@trailcat71]

Going to have to pick his book up. I discovered you guys about a year ago and have been on quite a journey because of it. What I find interesting today is the realization that not only does making change affect your identity (something I subconsciously knew but didn't spend much time dwelling on) but that my own perception of myself isn't even what the rest of the world perceived of me.... I found that with all the "fine things" I surrounded myself with I didn't even manage to achieve the perception other people had of me that I wanted them to.... if that makes sense. Thanks for all you do.

[@juliefitzgerald-frangos2211]

God i love you guys, but joshua is really monopolizing this conversation, he keeps cutting james off. I love james clear and wish we could have heard more from him. Still love your work guys! Go bucks!

[@carolgeorge6409]

Totally agree

[@Ashley_Christine]

Agreed

[@wasdwasd24]

I definitely see now what you're talking about, I thought Joshua was the most annoying in this episode. Haha!

[@brg2743]

Talk however you want Josh. Too many bosses!😖

[@kaitlin312]

James and Ryan: discussing James’ book about Habits, the title of this episode, written by the podcast guest Josh: “I, uh, I teach a writing class and....”

[@zahrabandali7343]

I know

[@sgathf]

In the filed of behavior modification, modernly known as Applied Behavior Analysis, the Habit Contracts are actually known as Behavioral contract. They are useful for many reasons but primarily because it helps hold people accountable. Also, most of the things that James is discusses can be found in a behavior-and-learning course. Basically, it is using the principles of applied behavior analysis on yourself.

[@kelley4493]

My favourite episode so far. It helped reflect on my actions. This is my third time listening to this:) Thank you the minimalists!

[@ehsanmokallaee]

Dude, when you invite someone to talk, let them talk!!!!

[@sullonomics]

Amazing podcast guys, perfect listening on New Years Day.

[@GloomBloomGroove]

This is so great, thank you! I'm in the process of beginning to learn bass and listening to this episode helped me find new approaches to learning because I have been getting frustrated. Cheers!

[@laurenpool8367]

The information in this podcast is life changing. The topic of identity at 19:22 (plus the few minutes preceding this for background situation) is an amazing concept. It is interesting how we implement an image or identity of ourselves to our benefit or detriment. I am excited to share this with my 13yod who just said to me yesterday that she isn't "good at science," which objectively as a blanket statement, I can see isn't true...hoping I can help her let go of that identity before it causes her problems. Also, the issue of roadblocks that Joshua discussed described my situation to a T. Every morning I wake up and think that I am going to continue minimizing my possessions and decluttering. But then the dishes need to be done...food needs to be made...it's meal time, etc. And by the end of the day no decluttering gets done because there are too many "have to's" that come before it. Lol...like looking in a mirror. Thank you!

[@chrisc448]

Big big fan of you guys and James, recently finished his audiobook, really valuable

[@laurie6644]

❤ Still good stuff...5 Years Later. "Atomic Habits " by James Clear🤗...4/24... Thank you

[@26laf]

Great episode, I rushed to put a hold on Atomic Habits through my public library.

[@SerenityWithSelf]

Whooooot!! I love his book and I love the minimalists!! What a treat!

[@irmaindriani]

Delilah Jasmine it really is

[@SerenityWithSelf]

I didn’t realize I was the first to comment!! This podcast made my day, so excited for small habit change and my start to minimalism in 2019! I’m doing a “no buy year” to combat my compulsive spending habits!

[@sandysmith7583]

Yesterday, I struggled to get rid of fashion magazines and as I sat there contemplating wether to keep them or toss them, I wondered why it was so difficult?.... it wasnt about the physical item -the magazine itself but the idea that I had created in my mind about who I wanted to be or become. I am 16 minutes into this... and Wow! 😳

[@madeux324]

Great podcast guys! Love James! I pick up very useful tips to continue my good habits. I grow in a very strict envarament, according to my mama that is "disciplina" and discipline = character. After listening to your podcast I realized that I was actually building habits from a very early age. The concept I identify the most was the state of "boredom" you can reach, after you establish a habit. It's true, you have to embrace it and love it! One of my habits is to train with weights. I started at age 16 train hard, long hours, etc. Today at age 50- female, I keep lifting, but the aproach is more mature, I'm aware of the muscle connection and technique. I believe my other good habit (reading) also helped me to reach the level I'm today, and that is "keep mastering the art of weight lifting". ☺ Keep up the good work! Thank you for the work you do. ♥️ Thank you for the great pronunciation, it allows me to learn English. ( I apology in advice for my grammar) Happy New Year! Btw, I'm not a body builder, weight training is just a good habit for me. 😉

[@sarahlockridge7879]

Exposure therapy! I do it! It works!! First the gym, then Walmart lol, next is church and driving long distances.

[@ravijangrax]

Life changing stuff !!! 💓

[@esthernohemi5856]

Awesome advice guys, thanks!

[@RP-qy3cz]

I love this book!!

[@mikuseko]

Thank you for this! :)

[@evaluna5257]

You guys are GREAT!

[@jeanbaptisteify]

Love the block youtube/facebook tip! After a bit of research, found some equivalent on Safari plug-in store. Thanks James & the Minimalists! Love from france

[@diegonayalazo]

Thanks for sharing

[@indescribable9664]

Thanks!

[@bloominwild7]

Oooh you guys made me smile! Peoria IL is a town over from me😆

[@bluejuiceist]

So who’s the author and expert on this topic? not hearing much from the actual author 😅

[@amandamariemullins2954]

Awesome Episode! I had to share it on my newsletter today. Lots of dead payphones in my neighborhood of Highland Park. Each one is now a beautiful collection of street art and graffiti. :)

[@joanncassianos1142]

The art of interviewing is to elicit information from the interviewee, instead of learning everything about the interviewers…..

[@raapyna8544]

Extra episodes? Nah, you guys kinda ramble. :D These habit tips were so useful right now. Thank you.

[@andreapalazzi8282]

Hey calculus isn't boring!! 😡😡 always great show to listen to guys, Happy New Year!

[@junetwenty2835]

True >_

[@kacierose4932]

You guys are amazing. Have you heard of tender warrior? It's an excellent book as well

[@pjasmine]

time is relative from person to person. the more (valuable) time you sacrifice for others, the more "time" you have in the same 1 hour compared to others. it could be that things in your life become easy for you that you don't require much time to do them or you become more focus that you can do more with the time left for yourself or literally, time seems to move slowly and you enjoy your moments with family. things that we do for others by sacrificing our time to help them is never ever wasted.

[@irmaindriani]

Going to break my bad habit one by one... ✨✨

[@plummyzebra]

I'm not the only person who uses the phrase "aggressively mediocre"!! 😂😂😂

[@victormendoza3295]

What would be the perfect page count for reading a physical self-help book?

[@Kostas1989]

Falling in love with boredom !

[@pitzuki4849]

First comment, I really enjoy your videos guys, keep it up. Nice guest btw.

[@irmaindriani]

PitZuki yes

[@pitzuki4849]

@@irmaindrianiyes? What? Xd

[@laarnieramosang1388]

💛

[@zenithlifestyle4841]

I tried the one item then two items so and found it impossible. Cause in the first day I had dozens of items I could get rid of immediately. So did 3 ton in one weekend😎

[@lin90210]

Hahaha made me chuckle when you spoke about children repeating youtube phrases and how you end up in a youtube vortex leading to watching an interview with Justin Bieber's Mum

[@dkbegue]

Yes is responsiblity no is an option

[@ivancarlson953]

What do you associate to when you hear the name, "Joshua"? - Christopher Walken?

[@ivarknutsen202]

Sure is talkative today

[@tamradickinson4338]

What is a plant that does not not exist

[@kuliah1menit21]

Please add subtitle Indonesia

[@amranha_]

Yes please!

[@rebiirthful]

this podcast was exactly what i needed. i had always wanted a dot journal and a few days ago i came across an affordable and nice quality one. when i got home i thought fuck what am i going to do with this? over the past couple months i have been working on my mental health and changing my habits, routines and environment. im going to use that journal to track my process and challange myself to create new healthier habits

[@taylormadev]

Host dominated the talk to much

[@rarajean]

Caveman and Q-tip

[@junetwenty2835]

Wait you have to unplug the toaster?

[@madeux324]

☺

[@junetwenty2835]

@@madeux324 what I dont have a toaster

[@karenmartin25]

Same thought. Now I’m scared.

[@deadlydoomer11]

Consumes a lot of energy even if not being used

[@courtneyglasco2216]

hey whats wrong wtih michigan now!?!

[@juliefitzgerald-frangos2211]

They are all Ohio boys! Haha.

[@courtneyglasco2216]

@@juliefitzgerald-frangos2211 that explains it.. thank you.

[@a.wilkinson9912]

No one has mentioned that Ryan's name title was wrong? I guess no one is in the habit of reading...

[@MunaSoto]

Money does not bring happiness but oh, boy, it brings health insurance, education and so many things that have become products and services instead of rights in my (and many other) countries...We continue fighting the good fight so we still have a free good health system and a university that welcomes everyone even if they have no money (I am a grateful daughter of public education up to a post-degree level in a public university) and it is among the top universities in the world. We need to fight against that fiercely. Money should NOT bring happiness.

[@SahilHorane]

good looking version of Bill Burr.

[@peppercornfury]

A kid saying "please like and subscribe" instead of saying "bye" in person cracked me up!

[@sheila_rabant]

I googled pithy today 😄

[@MD-ny1rv]

Sounds like mini-habits, but more philosophical.

[@LouiseT2405]

Ryans name just came up as James Clear 😂

[@plainchemicals]

"Inspiration exists..but it has to find your working." _Picasso

[@feathersky860]

💥💥💥💥💥👍👍🌀🌀

[@prestonnyoni8168]

Let the guests/expert speak 🤦🏽‍♂️ why are you doing much of the speaking

[@jillmurray4985]

James Clear vs Steven Guise. Don't give James Clear any airspace

[@joshmcoaching]

Atomic Habits was excellent, Tiny Habits was better. Especially the 5-day free academy.

[@princeblworld]

i feel upset that the host on the left is monopolizing the conversation. What's the point in inviting a guest? You could have discussed the topic by yourselves without a guest. Don't make it all about you when you have a guest. It's so impolite.

[@sharonatseanicstudios9970]

Great Podcast, BUT UGH....No sitting on your phone while getting a pedicure...take that time and space to enjoy the pedicure!!!

[@talalkhalid2920]

You guys are really not letting him talk at all...He is talking like 15% of the time

[@cynthiatreynor1973]

Instead of self-help how about personal growth!

[@stephanie2927]

Pithy

[@Abeta.S.A]

Terimakasih untuk ilmunya .. cinta dan dukungan dari Indonesia 🇮🇩