1, #98 - Behavior starts with identity
Estimated Read Time: 44 seconds.
When I first started this newsletter, I thought I might just be quoting James Clear every week. I strive for ‘insight density’ in my writing, and always use his book, Atomic Habits, as an example of the kind of intentional word-crafting that wastes no space.
But aside from his writing, I also appreciate his perspective on behavior change. This week, I happened to catch him on a (parenting!) podcast, where he reiterated one of the insights that stood out the most for me, from his book:
Identity is at the heart of behavior change.
We want outcomes, but those are driven by processes. And those processes are directed by our sense of identity.
Fortunately, small steps in the right direction can establish a foundation. As James mentioned on this podcast: Every action you take is a ‘vote’ for the type of person you want to be. It doesn’t take too many jogs around the block to be able to authentically say, “I’m a runner.” And then, you just do what runners do. You run.
You are what you do!
Insight inspired by James Clear on this podcast.
Check out this post by him that lays out the full idea.