Member-only story
James Clear’s Two-Step Process for Identity Change
Stop setting goals that don’t produce lasting change.
If you want to change your life, you need to become the type of person that does what you want to do.
“How much do you believe in the goal and your achieving it? Once that’s your mindset, that’s where you’re going to be. … It’s already happened.”
— Sean McCabe
1. Decide the type of person you want to be
Your current identity is the biggest barrier to positive change — identity loyalty will cause you to retreat into bad habits. You must redefine who you are rather than hope your actions will do it for you.
Imagine what type of person would get the outcome you desire. Ask what they would do, rather than slip into your old patterns.
You must move on from your old self and prove this new identity is real. This requires new evidence.
2. Prove it to yourself with small wins
When you repeat behavior, you reinforce the identity associated with that behavior. You are aligning your reality with your goals, by taking small steps to prove your identity is…
