Unexpected Lessons from a Visit to My Favorite Bookstore

When it comes to goals, it boils down to your system and habits - and self-talk

We all have goals and aspirations—especially at the start of a new year when resolutions are high. But too often, that initial excitement fades, and we find ourselves in the same cycle, surrounded by the ghosts of last year’s unfinished resolutions.

Over time, I’ve realized though, that moving forward requires a few key things—one of the most important being compassion. Not as an excuse, but as a way to truly accept where you are. Every moment is a fresh starting point. Instead of judging what you did or didn’t accomplish, take an investigative approach. Why did some goals stick while others faded? Because success isn’t just about motivation—it’s about building habits that support your goals.

Could better habits really help with reaching your goals?

This year one of my goals is to read more books. I love wandering through the aisles of Chapters, surrounded by endless stories. I'm easily inspired to grab a book, find a cozy corner and get lost in its pages.

But once I get home, life gets in the way. The books sit, with pages waiting to be turned, as my reading habit struggles to take root. Sound familiar?

That’s where Atomic Habits by James Clear comes in. He breaks down habit formation into three key ideas that has helped me shift the way I approach my goals:

• Start with small things: Big things come from small beginnings. You don’t need massive changes to create meaningful progress—start small and build momentum.

  
  

  For example, instead of aiming for eight glasses of water a day right away, start by drinking one glass first thing in the morning. If getting to the gym feels overwhelming, would a walk around the block be more doable? Start there- commit to stepping outside for a short walk each day. This can make it easier for you to imagine making space and time for a gym session.

  
  

  And even then, start small and sustainable, a 15-minute workout is still a workout, and a win!

  
  

• Focus on your system: Undesirable habits often persist because your system enables them. Instead of relying solely on motivation, design a system that naturally supports your goal.

  
  

  I'm sure many of us have faced frustrating challenges when it comes to our goals, but its not always about being lazy or unmotivated.

  
  

  Ask yourself: Does the way my day is structured allow time for the gym? What needs to shift to make space for it?

  
  

  Take an investigative approach to uncover what's really holding you back. A better system makes it easier to build better habits.

  
  

• Build identity-based habits: Your habits reflect who you believe you are. To create lasting change, focus on shifting your internal dialogue.

  
  

  Instead of simply aiming to read more, start seeing yourself as a reader. 

  
  

  What does a reader do? They prioritize books, set aside time, and create reading-friendly spaces.

  
  

  Want to get to the gym more often? Start identifying as someone who values fitness. The more you embrace that identity, the more naturally the habit will follow.

At Chapters, Reading Feels Effortless. At Home, Not So Much.

This leads me to a realization I had during my last visit to Chapters:

The bookstore itself helps me read. Everywhere I look, there are books. The lighting is warm. Starbucks is nearby for a sweet treat. There are comfortable chairs that invite me to sit and stay awhile.

It's not just me - it's the environment.

It made me wonder—how can I replicate this environment at home?

The Habit Loop: How to make our habits stick

James Clear describes habits as following a four-stage cycle:

1. Cue: A trigger that prompts action

2. Craving: The motivation to act

3. Response: The behavior itself

4. Reward: A satisfying result that reinforces the habit

How I'm using the habit loop to read more:

• Cue: I keep a book on my bedside table- an obvious reminder. You could also schedule reading time in your calendar, that way your phone can give you a gentle nudge.

• Craving: I try to create an inviting and cozy reading space, accompanied with a warm tea and soft lighting.

• Response: I'll start small, even just a few pages at a time. Sometimes I'll dive into a book, other times I'll go for an article or two in a magazine.

• Reward: I try to choose reading material that I find interesting and that I am genuinely excited about. This makes the habit enjoyable and easier to repeat.

  
  

If you’ve struggled to stick with a goal, don’t just rely on motivation—build a system that supports you. 

Start small.

Create identity-based habits.

Design an environment that works in your favor.

What’s one habit you’d like to build? And how can you tweak your environment to make it easier?