I have read Atomic Habits, a book about habits that are atomic, written by James Clear. It breaks down how small actions can build up over time to create significant, lasting change. This book was a major source of insight and learning for our project, as we explored how making small adjustments in our routines and behaviours can lead to success not only this year but also in the long term.

The driving question for this project was, “How can small changes in my habits shape my success this year, and beyond?” This question was answered every few sentences in the book, as James Clear continually explained that small steps, even if they seem insignificant, add up gradually until they result in a meaningful transformation. He often compares this process to running a marathon, where progress comes through consistent effort, step after step. His examples helped me realize that while big goals are motivating, it’s the small, everyday habits that truly drive us forward.

We began the project by diving into Atomic Habits and working through various activities related to the book. These worksheets helped us digest the material and truly understand the message that James Clear was trying to convey. By breaking down the concepts, we were able to see how each principle applies to our lives, and these smaller exercises served as building blocks toward our overall understanding. The worksheets were a great tool, as they encouraged me to reflect on my own habits and recognize areas where small changes could make a big impact over time.

After gaining a foundation in Clear’s ideas, we shifted our focus toward our final project, which was a spin on the learning plan we had used before. This plan, called VMV—Vision, Mission, Values—helped us structure our goals in a way that felt authentic and aligned with our personal values. In the VMV, we defined what we wanted to achieve in the end (our Vision), outlined what we’re currently doing to reach those goals (our Mission), and identified the values that we prioritize along the way. By breaking down our goals this way, we could see the practical steps we’re taking now and how they contribute to our long-term aspirations. The VMV format made these goals feel more like my own rather than something imposed, and it helped me connect with them on a deeper level.

Reflecting on this project, I feel like it really helped me grow in various areas and gave me a clearer sense of my goals. The VMV was a much better representation of my learning than a traditional learning plan, and it felt like I was setting goals that truly belonged to me, not just completing an assignment. It’s an empowering feeling to have your goals organized in a way that speaks to your own values and ambitions. This process also taught me the importance of aligning my actions with my values, which makes the pursuit of my goals more meaningful.

We also had the chance to present our work to our parents. One evening, our parents came in, and we had thirty minutes to walk them through the VMV and our artifact. This artifact was something that related not only to James Clear’s book but also to our own lives and goals. Presenting my work allowed me to share my understanding of Atomic Habits and the personal insights I gained from it. I felt confident in my presentation and was able to communicate my ideas clearly. Sharing this process with my parents was rewarding; it gave me the opportunity to showcase my growth and explain how I’m planning to use these small, powerful habits to shape my future.