The most critical decision you’ll make on your journey to self-improvement is choosing the right habit to build. The right habit makes progress seamless; the wrong one turns life into a constant struggle. While hard work is important, selecting the right habit matters even more.
Here’s how to choose a habit that sticks.
Identity-Based Habits: A Better Approach
Most people begin by focusing on the outcomes they want: “I want to lose weight,” or “I want to quit smoking.” But a more effective strategy is to create identity-based habits—habits that align with the person you want to become rather than just the goals you want to achieve.
For example:
- The goal isn’t to get straight A’s; it’s to become a person who studies daily.
- The goal isn’t to finish a painting; it’s to become an artist.
- The goal isn’t to win a competition; it’s to become a person who practices consistently.
When a habit becomes part of your identity, it no longer feels like a chore. It feels natural.
How Identity Shapes Habits
Your identity isn’t fixed—it’s shaped by your habits. Every action you take reinforces the type of person you believe yourself to be. It’s a feedback loop:
- Repeated behaviors reinforce your identity.
- A stronger identity makes those behaviors feel more natural.
For instance, if you volunteer regularly, you begin to see yourself as a person who cares about your community. Over time, this identity strengthens, and the behavior becomes second nature.
As James Clear says in Atomic Habits, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” While one action won’t redefine you, repeated actions build evidence for a new identity.
Start Small to Build Big
To align your habits with your desired identity, ask yourself:
- “Who is the type of person who would achieve this outcome?”
- “What would a healthy/productive/organized person do?”
Once you have a clear picture of your desired identity, focus on small, consistent actions to reinforce it.
Examples:
- If you want to write a book, start by becoming the type of person who writes daily.
- If you want to save money, start by becoming the type of person who sets aside a small amount every month.
- If you want to learn a new language, become the type of person who studies for just 10 minutes a day.
The results will come naturally as you embody the identity behind them.
Focus on Becoming, Not Achieving
Your habits gradually reshape your identity, even if the change is slow and hard to notice at first. Every small action you take shifts your internal story and strengthens your belief in who you are becoming.
So, don’t start with the goal of achieving a result. Start with the question: Who do I want to become? Then, let your habits cast daily votes for that identity.
With patience and persistence, your habits will lead you to a better version of yourself—one small step at a time.
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