Little changes can create big shifts. And taking on new habits is easier than you think. The core principles of best seller Atomic Habits — and how they played out in real life

“Homemakers can be divided into two types: the structure cravers and the ‘flow-ers.’ ” I was listening to Yael Wiesner, my homemaking guru, on a teleconference class when she shared that insight.

Yael went on to explain that while this isn’t a blanket description, and people operate differently at different times and in different settings, generally speaking, structure cravers are those with lists and schedules, the type who know exactly what needs to get done each day. They prepare clothing and lunches for their kids the night before school so the morning routine goes without a hitch. Their kids eat supper and are bathed and bedded down at the same time each night.

“Flow-ers” are a different breed. They go with the flow. Full of good intentions, they’ll plan to bake a cake, then see they’ve run out of oil, so they’ll pack up their kids and go to the grocery store. Then they’ll bump into an old friend and decide to schmooze in the park for a while. By the time they get home, it’s suppertime, but there’s no sign of supper — just the mixer, some flour, cracked eggs, and spilled sugar on the counter.

Help!

Forming good habits, Yael says, is crucial for “flow-ers.” She recommends that “flow-ers” integrate one or two new habits in their lives each month. Examples she gave included not leaving the house before the kitchen table is clear, or checking by 10 a.m. that they have all the ingredients they need to make supper.

There was no doubt in my mind that I’m a “flow-er.” I consoled myself with the fact that (henceforth called) flowers sound much more poetic than structure cravers. We’re also more creative and easygoing than stiff structure cravers (the truth being, of course, that I long to run my home as easily and efficiently as structure cravers run theirs.)

In my quest to follow Yael’s advice, I came across a book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. I wish I could say this book changed my life and I’ve become a structure craver, and never need to look for lost shoes or do last-minute grocery runs. But it takes a lifetime to break a middah, says Rav Yisrael Salanter ztz”l, so a perfectly neat and organized home won’t be happening in mine.

But the book definitely helped me make significant changes in my life, and I’m here to share some of the book’s tips with you.