James Clear Explains Why the 'Two Minute Rule' Is the Key to Long-Term Habit Building The hardest step is usually the first one, he says. So make it short.

Renowned author and public speaker James Clear is best known for his New York Times bestselling book, "Atomic Habits." His book, which teaches people the importance of building better habits on a scaleable level and finding success with these newly adopted behaviors, has sold more than 15 million copies. Still, he knows that when people want to make massive changes, it can feel completely overwhelming.

"We're so focused on optimizing that we don't give ourselves permission to show up even if it's just a small way."

But Clear said there's one technique that only takes two minutes of your time.