In the quest to build better habits, most of us focus on setting clear goals and sticking to them. While this is a great place to start, it’s not always the most effective way to make long-term changes. There’s a deeper approach to habit-building, one that revolves around who you want to be, rather than just what you want to do. This concept, known as identity-based habits, has the potential to create real and lasting change in your life.
The Difference Between Outcome-Based and Identity-Based Habits
Most habits start with a goal, like “I want to save money,” or “I want to run a marathon.” These are outcome-based goals, and while they give us a clear destination, they can sometimes lack the emotional commitment needed for lasting change. When the focus is purely on achieving a certain outcome, we can fall into the trap of thinking that once we’ve achieved it, we’re done.
Identity-based habits work differently. They start with the question: “Who do I want to become?” rather than “What do I want to achieve?” By focusing on the person you want to be, the actions you take become an expression of that identity, not just a means to an end. For instance:
- Outcome-based: "I want to run a marathon."
- Identity-based: "I am a runner."
In the second example, being a runner becomes part of your identity, not just a temporary goal. When you identify as a runner, you’re more likely to embrace all aspects of running—training consistently, nourishing your body, and developing a long-term connection with the activity.
Why Identity-Based Habits Are So Powerful
Our actions are influenced by the way we view ourselves. If you see yourself as a “healthy person,” for example, you’re more likely to make choices that align with that self-image. Identity-based habits leverage this by creating an internal shift in who you believe you are, which then informs your actions. This approach works because:
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It builds internal motivation. When we connect our habits to our identity, they feel like an expression of who we are. This internal motivation helps us stick to habits, even when it’s tough.
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It reduces internal conflict. If you’re trying to quit smoking, it’s much easier to say, “I am not a smoker” than “I’m trying to quit.” There’s no internal struggle because the action aligns with who you already believe yourself to be.
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It enables lasting change. When habits align with identity, they’re more likely to stick because they’re not tied to temporary goals. Instead, they become part of your lifestyle.
How to Build Identity-Based Habits in 4 Steps
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Define Who You Want to Be Think about the person you want to become. Maybe it’s “a fit and active person,” “a disciplined writer,” or “someone who values financial independence.” The key is to be clear and specific about the type of person you’re aiming to be.
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Start Small with Daily Actions Identify one or two small actions that align with this identity. If you want to become “a healthy person,” commit to drinking a glass of water every morning or going for a 10-minute walk each day. Small actions can be enough to reinforce your desired identity, especially when done consistently.
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Celebrate Small Wins Every time you take action that aligns with your new identity, celebrate it. Recognizing these small wins helps reinforce the identity you’re building. If you wrote for 10 minutes today, acknowledge it as a step toward becoming “a writer.” This builds confidence and momentum.
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Reflect and Reinforce Take time to reflect on how these actions reinforce your identity. The more you take actions that align with who you want to be, the more naturally they’ll feel over time. Reflecting on your progress will help you stay motivated and allow you to make adjustments as needed.
Examples of Identity-Based Habits
Here are some examples of identity-based habits that align actions with a self-defined identity:
- “I am an organized person.” Actions: Create a daily to-do list, keep your workspace tidy.
- “I am a learner.” Actions: Read 10 pages a day, listen to educational podcasts on your commute.
- “I am financially responsible.” Actions: Track expenses, set aside a small amount for savings each month.
- “I am an early riser.” Actions: Set a consistent bedtime, establish a morning routine you enjoy.
Embrace the Journey of Becoming
Identity-based habits remind us that self-improvement is not just about doing; it’s about becoming. When you focus on who you want to be, every action you take becomes a step toward embodying that identity. Building habits this way makes it more natural and fulfilling because your actions align with your sense of self.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about becoming the person you want to be, one small habit at a time.