“identity-based habits”

When most people think about the habits they want to build, they naturally start by considering the outcomes they want to achieve. “I want to lose weight.” Or, “I want to stop smoking.”

The alternative is to build what I call “identity-based habits” and start by focusing on who we wish to become, not what we want to achieve. (This is an idea I unpack more fully in Chapter 2 of Atomic Habits.)

Here’s the short version:

Anyone can convince themselves to practice yoga or meditation once or twice, but if you don’t shift the belief behind the behaviour, then it becomes hard to stick with long-term changes. Improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are.

The goal is not to get straight A’s, the goal is to become a person who studies every day.

The goal is not to finish a painting, the goal is to become an artist.

The goal is not to win the game or competition, the goal is to become a person who practices every day.

The ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity.

James Clear – Atomic Habits