Once you begin to see the world through the lenses of identity, you will will start to see the topic everywhere, because identity is fundamental to transformation. The bestselling non-fiction book, Atomic Habits, has literally sold one million plus copies by appealing to this exact same idea. The book is powerful, successful, and ultimately works because, rather than simply trying to increase motivation (the goal of most books in the self-help genre), it appeals to identity.
James Clear knows what King Solomon also knew, that “as a man thinks in his heart, so he is (Proverbs 23:7). This simple verse says it all. Our beliefs ourselves (identity) will determine our behaviors (processes). This influences our outcomes and achievements as people.
See the chart below for a simple explanation.
I particularly resonate with James Clear’s concept of identity-based habits. In the book, Clear uses the example of people trying to quit smoking.
This step may take more time, but try to tell yourself tha…
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