Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Do you agree with the book’s premise that bad habits are the result of unconscious cues that trigger unproductive behavior? Why or why not?
• Do you agree with the book’s definition of “good” and “bad” habits? Why or why not?
• Compare Atomic Habits to other self-development books on habit formation and productivity, such as The Power of Habit or Rewire. How do these texts differ in their approach? Do you find one approach more helpful than the others?
• Does the text engage in survivorship bias, or choosing to present evidence that supports its argument while ignoring evidence that does not? What are the ethical implications of this approach?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Discuss an experience you’ve had with developing a good habit or breaking an undesirable one. How did you do it? Would you recommend that method to others?
• How do thoughts and emotions influence your behavior? Do certain situations trigger your practice of a bad habit? Why do you think this is?
• How has childhood affected your formation of habits and their emotional associations? How does Atomic Habits address the role of childhood in habit formation?
• Atomic Habits draws examples from neuroscience, sociology, psychology, sports, and the arts.