The Secret to Starting Anything with Atomic Habits

Some days, starting is the hardest part. Whether it’s a workout, a project, or even just getting out of bed, the first step can feel like the biggest barrier. That resistance—the internal thoughts saying, “not today”—can be so convincing if we let them. But in Atomic Habits, James Clear recommends a simple, powerful way to move past that feeling: “Master the art of showing up.”

Here’s how it works: showing up doesn’t mean doing it perfectly or even doing it well. It doesn’t even mean finishing. It just means being there, ready to try. It’s putting on your running shoes and stepping outside, even if you don’t feel like running. It’s opening the laptop and typing a single sentence. It’s rolling out your mat, even if you only sit on it for a minute. These small moments might sound too simple to matter, but they do—because they create momentum.

Clear explains that the hardest part of building any habit is often just getting started. Once you begin, the rest tends to fall into place. It’s like opening a heavy door—it takes effort to get it moving, but once it’s in motion, it swings more easily. By mastering the art of showing up, you make action easier. You’re not aiming for perfection; you’re aiming for consistency.

At first, it might feel like nothing’s happening, like the effort is too small to make a difference. But showing up, even in the tiniest way, is what lays the foundation for success. It’s proof to yourself that you can stick with it, no matter how small the step. And over time, those little steps turn into something much bigger.

The next time you’re tempted to skip the first step, remember: showing up is the win. Everything after that? That’s a bonus.

ACTION: What’s one habit you’re trying to build? Focus only on showing up for it today. Don’t worry about how much you accomplish—just take the first step. Tomorrow, do the same. Let momentum handle the rest.