The book club

'The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse’ by Charlie Mackesy

A book of hope for uncertain times. Enter the world of Charlie's four unlikely friends, discover their story and their most important life lessons. Soothing balm for the soul in these turbulent, polarised times, former Spectator cartoonist Charlie Mackesy's tender illustrations have already become an online phenomenon. Now, his finest artwork has been gathered together in this beautifully produced volume, a book to treasure forever and a permanent reminder of the need for compassion and love in a world suffused with ignorance and hatred. ‘A wonderful work of art and a wonderful window into the human heart.’ Richard Curtis

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Last issue, our recommended read was ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear. Thank you to everyone who got on board with the book club, ordered a copy and read the book. Thanks to Vicky Gallioni for the review.

Atomic Habits is a great read, that is easy to pick up and refer back to as and when. It starts with an introduction to the British Cycling team where small changes over a period of years led to some of the greatest cycling achievements. The book is about having a different approach to setting and achieving goals by changing your habits.

The principles are:

1. An atomic habit is a regular practice or routine that is not only small and easy to do, but is also the source of incredible power; a component of the system of compound growth. 2. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don’t want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change. 3. Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them for years.

The Five Big Ideas

1. Habits are the compound interest of selfimprovement. 2. If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your system instead. 3. The most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but on who you wish to become. 4. The Four Laws of Behaviour Change are a simple set of rules we can use to build better habits. They are (1) make it obvious, (2) make it attractive, (3) make it easy, and (4) make it satisfying. 5. Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behaviour.

Want to take part in our next book club?

Books are free for the first 50 staff who request a copy (first come first served basis) and could count towards your CPD hours (subject to suitability). Request your copy by emailing bookclub@acttraining.org.uk by Friday 13th February.