🗺️ Mental Models

The Surprising Power of Atomic Habits

2 mental models in this chapter

Habit Formation System

flowchart

Visualizes the relationship between goals, systems, habits, and long-term progress, highlighting the importance of systems over goals and the compound effect of habits.

Diagram Code

graph TD
    A[Goals (Desired Results)] --> B{Systems (Processes)};
    B -- Focus --> C[Daily Actions/Habits];
    C -- Compound Effect --> D{Plateau of Latent Potential};
    D -- Persistence --> E[Breakthrough/Success];
    E --> F[Long-Term Progress];
    B --> G{Environment and Influences};
    G --> C

Compounding Effects of Habits

table

Compares and contrasts the positive and negative compounding effects across different life categories (productivity, knowledge, relationships, health, thoughts, and finances) to demonstrate the impact of good and bad habits.

Diagram Code

| Category | Positive Compounding | Negative Compounding |
|----------|------------------------|------------------------|
| Productivity | Accomplishing extra tasks | Stagnation, inefficiency |
| Knowledge  | Lifelong learning, deeper understanding | Ignorance, outdated skills |
| Relationships | Strong network, mutual support | Isolation, conflict |
| Health     | Improved fitness, well-being | Chronic stress, health issues |
| Thoughts   | Positive self-image, optimism | Negative self-talk, pessimism |
| Finances   | Savings, investments, financial freedom | Debt, overspending, financial instability |