Setting goals is easy. Sticking to them? Well, that’s another story. But what if you could make your goals stick by changing how you approach them? The secret to lasting habits isn’t just about willpower – it’s about changing your identity. Here’s how to create identity-based habits that actually stick!
What Are Identity-Based Habits?
Instead of focusing on what you want to achieve, identity-based habits focus on who you want to become. It’s about seeing yourself as the type of person who naturally does the things you want to do. For example, rather than setting a goal like “I want to run every day,” you start thinking, “I am a runner.” This subtle shift makes your new habit a part of your identity, not just something you “have to do.”
1. Focus on Who You Want to Be
The first step in building identity-based habits is to ask yourself, “Who do I want to become?” If you want to eat healthier, start by thinking of yourself as a healthy eater. If you want to be more productive, start seeing yourself as a focused person. When your habits align with your identity, they are much easier to maintain because they feel like part of who you are, not something you’re forcing yourself to do.
2. Start Small
Don’t try to change everything at once. Start small and build gradually. Instead of jumping into a strict workout routine, begin by telling yourself, “I am the type of person who goes for a walk every day.” You can increase the intensity or time as your identity becomes more rooted in this new habit. Small wins build confidence and motivate you to stick with your goals.
3. Use the Power of Consistency
Consistency is the key to making identity-based habits stick. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do need to show up regularly. The more consistently you practice a habit, the more it becomes part of your identity. The Life Planner app can help with this. It includes features like Habit Reminders, Habit Progress Tracking, and Habit Calendars, making it easy to stay on track and measure your success.
4. Celebrate Your New Identity
As you start to adopt these new habits, celebrate your success! Every time you stick to your goal, reinforce the identity you are building. If you’ve gone for a run, celebrate the fact that you’re a runner. If you’ve been eating healthy meals, celebrate yourself as a healthy eater. This celebration helps your brain link the action with the identity, making the habit stronger over time.
5. Make it Sustainable with Life Planner
To make your identity-based habits stick, you need a strategy to stay consistent. That’s where the Life Planner app comes in. With the Habit Tracker, Habit Calendar, and Habit Reminders, you can track your habits, set goals, and see your progress. The app helps you stay focused on your identity and not just the outcome.
Conclusion
Changing your habits starts with changing your identity. By seeing yourself as the person who already does the things you want to do, you make lasting change easier and more sustainable. Ready to make your new habits stick this year? Download the Life Planner app to help you track your goals, stay consistent, and celebrate your success. With Habit Progress Tracking and Habit Scheduling, Life Planner makes it easier than ever to integrate your new identity into your daily life.
Get started today! Download the Life Planner app from the Google Play Store or the App Store. Install the app, set your habit goals, and start building your identity today!