We all have habits—those small, daily actions that shape our lives, often without us even realizing it. They shape our lives more than we might think, providing us with evidence about who we are. The good news? We can change our habits at anytime. If your current habits aren’t contributing to the person you want to be, you have the power to rewrite your narrative. You can break old habits and create new ones that align with the best version of yourself.
Habits are the building blocks of our lives, they lay the foundation for everything we want to achieve. I’ve always been a big dreamer, spending my days envisioning the future and setting ambitious goals. But I realized that dreaming alone wasn't enough. I wasn’t doing the things I needed to do to turn those dreams into reality. I needed to become the person behind those goals.
Think about it: A hundred people may have the same goal, like starting a profitable business. But what is it that separates those who succeed from the ones who don’t? The habits they build along the way. Are they networking to make valuable connections? Are they investing time in learning more for personal growth? Are they making time, even if it means waking up early or staying up late, to work on their vision?
Goals are fantastic, but it’s your daily actions, that determine your success. Habits keep you on track, even when the initial motivation fades. Take a moment to think about the person you want to be. Are your current habits reflecting that person? If they are, keep going! If not, it’s time to make some changes.
How to Create Identity Based Habits:
1. Craft your 'Identity' Statements
The way you talk to yourself matters. When you phrase your habits as part of your identity, you’re more likely to stick with them. Instead of saying, “I’m trying to write more,” tell yourself, “I am a writer.”
It’s a small mental shift, but it can have a huge impact. If you truly see yourself as a writer, you’ll naturally start acting like one; writing regularly and honing your craft.
2. Small Wins Build Confidence
Start small and make sure you are setting goals that are attainable. If your identity statement is “I am someone who prioritizes self-care,” begin with something simple, like a five-minute meditation every other day.
Small, consistent actions will build your confidence and reinforce your new identity. Over time, you can add more habits that support this new version of yourself, increasing the duration or frequency as you go.
3. Visualize the Person You Want to Be
Visualization is a powerful tool to manifest future goals. Start with your affirmation statement. For example, “I am confident.” Then, ask yourself: What would a confident person do? Maybe they would practice positive self-talk, set boundaries, or take risks that would push them out of their comfort zone. Now, picture yourself doing these actions.
How does it make you feel? How does it change the way you need to show up in your life? This mental practice can help you embody your new identity and act in alignment with it.
4. Shift from Goals to Identity
When you focus only on goals, the journey often ends when you reach them. You start the diet, lose 10 pounds, and then what? The habits that got you there might fade away. But when you implement identity based habits, it’s not just about checking a box. It becomes a part of who you are. Your behaviors are no longer tied to a single event, they’re tied to your self image.
Instead of asking, “How do I achieve this?” start asking, “Who do I need to become to achieve this?” This shift changes everything. Goals are temporary, but identities last.
How to shift from goal oriented to identity oriented?
Identify Who You Want to Be: Write down a few “I am” statements that describe the person you want to become. Be specific and positive.
Start Small and Build Up: Choose one small habit that aligns with your new identity and stick with it. Make it so small that it’s almost impossible to fail. Remember, the goal is consistency, not perfection.
Visualize Daily: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself living out your new identity. Feel the emotions associated with this version of you. The more real it feels, the easier it will be to act in alignment with it.
Reinforce Your Identity: Keep reminding yourself of who you are becoming. Write your “I am” statements where you can see them. Speak them out loud. The more you repeat them, the more you are able to shift your mindset to make them a reality.
Shifting your focus from what you want to achieve to who you want to become is a game changer. It’s not just about hitting a goal—it’s about transforming into the best version of yourself. So, take a moment today to think about the habits you want to build. Are they aligned with the person you aspire to be?
You have the power to create a new identity, one habit at a time. Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your actions begin to reflect the incredible person you are becoming.
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