habits, practices, and aging well

One of the things I like in James Clear’s Atomic Habits (and his associated writing) is his attention on the power of time. I was very ready to chuck that book into the pile of faddish self-help slop when I was judging it by its cover (and coverage). But there’s a humane, no-hacks worldview in many parts of it that elevates it for me. 

One way Clear talks about habits is making time work for you instead of against you. In his account, a habit harnesses the power of compounding interest. Little, consistent contributions of time become far larger than the sum of their parts.

Financially, the greatest gains from compound interest occur in the latest years. This can be true, also, with your practices. So it can be useful for individuals and organizations to look for practices they can continue to get better at deep into their maturity.

A thing I’m increasingly finding among the leaders and teams I admire most - the things they can keep getting better at, even after decades of practice, are often things that make them better, beyond that practice, as people and teams. 

All of your practice earns you proficiency (and maybe, with some luck, praise and profit). It also enriches your soul. With the right practice, you’re ever closer to being good at something; you’re also closer to being good. No preposition, full stop.  

-eric