Why 'Atomic Habits' is Fuelling Our Growth at Caledonian Marketing

Here at Caledonian Marketing, we believe that true success isn’t found overnight—it’s built gradually through consistency, discipline, and focused effort. That’s why Atomic Habits by James Clear has become more than just a favourite read for our CEO, Calum Todd; it’s become a playbook for how we grow as individuals and as a company.

Written by James Clear, Atomic Habits explores how small, consistent changes can compound into remarkable long-term results. Clear breaks down the science of behaviour change in a way that’s relatable, actionable, and empowering—perfect for ambitious teams and leaders looking to strive toward excellence.

For Calum Todd, the success principles outlined in Atomic Habits hit particularly close to home. Before launching Caledonian Marketing, Calum tried his hand at several professions—from landscape gardening to car sales. Entering the world of direct sales and marketing didn’t come naturally at first. In fact, Calum doesn’t mind admitting he wasn’t the fastest learner.

What made the difference wasn’t talent or luck—it was structure, repetition, and continually refining small daily actions. This mirrors one of the core messages of Atomic Habits: you don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.

“I realised that if I could understand the theory and stay consistent with systems, the results would follow,” Calum says. “Atomic Habits reinforced what I’d already discovered through experience—and it gave me a clearer framework for teaching it to others.”

Now, as CEO, Calum brings that same intentional mindset to the team culture at Caledonian Marketing. Whether it’s onboarding new representatives or coaching future leaders, Clear’s principles are embedded in the way we do business.

Take habit stacking, for example—pairing a new habit with an existing one. In our office, that can mean stacking a daily habit of practice pitches with a team check-in. We’ve found that these small, routine actions help build momentum and make growth feel achievable.

Goal setting is another powerful area where Atomic Habits aligns perfectly with our strategy. While we absolutely value ambitious targets, we’ve learned—as the book teaches—that focusing solely on the outcome can lead to frustration. Instead, we help our team set process-oriented goals. Want to improve your close rate? We help you identify the daily steps that lead to that outcome—whether it’s more focused conversations, better qualifying of leads, or sharpening a greeting.

Our approach is also reflected in Clear’s idea of environment design. We work hard to create a workplace where good habits are easier to maintain. That means having mentors available, clear milestones, and a supportive team structure. Instead of relying on willpower, we encourage systems that naturally drive consistency.

These principles also reflect our company values at a deeper level:

Honesty: We believe in being honest about what’s working—and where there’s room to grow. Atomic Habits encourages regular reflection, just as we do in coaching sessions.

Respect: Just like the book acknowledges that change takes time, we respect that everyone progresses at their own pace. The key is maintaining high expectations while supporting individual growth.

Work Ethic: The idea that habit—not motivation—is the foundation of success reinforces everything we teach. Show up, stay consistent, and results will follow.

What’s especially inspiring is how much this book has resonated beyond leadership. At Caledonian Marketing, it’s sparked rich discussions across the team. It’s quickly become a go-to recommendation for those looking to build stronger routines and stretch beyond their comfort zones.

Reading isn’t mandatory at our company—but we do encourage it, especially when it supports our common goals. Personal development is part of the role here, and books like Atomic Habits provide a roadmap not only for career growth but also for becoming a more disciplined, focused individual.

In a fast-paced industry where goals can change week by week, Atomic Habits reminds us that lasting success stems from the small things we do every day. And here at Caledonian Marketing, that’s exactly where our focus lies—on building habits that drive momentum, progress, and long-term achievement.