One of my very favorite books is James Clear's "Atomic Habits" which has emerged as offering practical wisdom, offering a roadmap for positive change through the power of tiny habits. One of the key concepts in the book is the idea of latent potential. Understanding and unlocking this latent potential can be a transformative journey, paving the way for personal and professional growth. This was such a game-changer for me in developing a better routine.
So what exactly is Latent Potential?
Latent potential, as Clear explains it, is the untapped reservoir of our abilities and possibilities that lie within each of us. Yes, no age discrimination here. No excuses. We can start or stop any habit. It is the dormant energy in us waiting to be awakened, the unexplored capabilities that can be harnessed through “intentional” habits. This concept challenges the traditional notion that change requires massive overhauls. Instead, Clear advocates for the cumulative impact of small, consistent actions—the atomic habits that, over time, unleash the latent potential hidden within us. In other words, it is the small things that we can develop in our lives that can have an impact and they will keep going. For example, five minutes of daily stretching is something I am going to encourage Louis to do. He gets leg cramps and I believe if he stretched more it would help. And, this may lead him to find more small habits to incorporate into his daily routine that will help him in his 80s.
The Power of Small Habits:
At the core of the latent potential concept is the understanding that our habits shape our identity and determine our trajectory. By focusing on small, manageable habits, we create a system that aligns with our goals and taps into our latent potential. Clear emphasizes the compounding effect of these habits, comparing them to the power of atomic particles. Like atoms create the building blocks of matter, atomic habits lay the foundation for significant and lasting change. I think that is why he named the book “Atomic Habit” 🤦♀️. I want us to all add small habits to encourage longer, active, happier lives. We don’t want to just live longer but we want to live well.
Building Keystone Habits:
To unlock latent potential effectively, he introduces the idea of keystone habits—small changes that spark a chain reaction of positive behavior. These habits act as catalysts, influencing other aspects of our lives and reinforcing a positive feedback loop. By identifying and cultivating keystone habits, individuals can tap into their latent potential and set in motion a domino effect of growth. In other words, when we start adding one small good habit that is healthier, we will start adapting to other habits. This is what happened to me. I started with water, then regularly took my vitamins, I added a 5 min yoga, running or walking 5 days a week, etc. None of my habits seem very relevant but over the course of a year, I can see the benefits!
Shifting Identity: (ENVISION the “new you”)
Clear argues that habits are not just actions; they are reflections of our identity. To unlock latent potential, one must undergo a shift in identity, adopting the mindset of the person they aspire to become. By aligning habits with a desired identity, individuals bridge the gap between who they are and who they want to be, gradually unlocking their latent potential in the process. If you want to be healthier, you have to think like a healthy person. If you are always telling yourself that you are "just a person who does not like healthy foods" then your brain is seeking foods that confirm this. In my program, I have a section where I make you envision the “NEW YOU” and then practice being her. We need to shift from who we are now to who we want to be.
The Four Laws of Behavior Change:
In the book, Clear outlines the Four Laws of Behavior Change—Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward—as a framework to understand and modify our habits. Yes, we can reverse even the bad habits! Both books talk about cravings. I also spend time on this in my program with magic moments. A time to break a craving takes about 90 seconds and we have to train our brain to go do something else. In my coffee chat, I talked about “Tiny Habits”-the anchor was the cue, then the action, and celebration (ABC), they have the same concepts. By breaking down habit formation into these components, we can strategically implement changes that align with our latent potential. This systematic approach helps in creating habits that endure and contribute to long-term growth which is about living better longer!
These books are a big part of my “WHY” for wanting to do what I do. I want to help as many women as possible be the healthiest they can be when they are heading to 90! Yes, I want us still enjoying life going strong in our eighties. What can we do today to help you live better later?
MY OWN ENVISION:🌼🌸💖 (where I want to be when I turn eighty)
I want to be still fixing my hair, still applying my lipstick, and still wearing perfume. I want to be able to make my bed each morning and fix my coffee. Yes, at eighty years old, I want to still take a walk. I am adding more small habits to increase my chances. Are you coming with me? I want you on this journey with me.
Stop now and envision who you want to be at 80 years of age. Do this today and practice being her. You got this. Let’s go. Envision yourself as a healthy 80-year-old.
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