S2 E28 Identity from the Inside Out

This week's episode is a continuation of E27 (New Year Solutions), delving deeper into the takeaway for the 

MIND-- which is to Take on the identity of someone who already does what you want to do. Largely based on the book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.

-- Listen to the audible version of "Atomic Habits" for free by going to audibletrial.com/mindbodypurpose--

“The process of building habits is the process of building yourself” -James Clear.

Building our lives one habit at a time feels doable, and breaking that thought down even further to trying on habits as a suggestion, ultimately deciding "Maybe this is who I am?!" with each habit we try.

These 3 takeaways will help us take on the Identity we want:

1- Access Creativity

A lot of times we like the idea of taking on a new identity, but we also resist fully embracing that identity. For example, if you are trying to nourish your body with healthier foods, you may think, "I should eat these vegetables." Thinking you should do something isn't taking on the identity. However, if you can access a little creativity and ask yourself, "What would someone who is intentionally choosing healthy eating put in their body?" you can assume the identity. Either way, you're placing more nourishing food on your plate and in your body, but the frame of mind you have in getting to that result can compound. One approach leads to an identity shift, one tells you what you should do, and the latter isn't a long term frame of mind. 

Using creativity in finding a way to hold ourselves accountable for a shift in identity is so helpful to our ultimate success. If we can surround ourselves with people who will support our identity in lifestyle, words, or being a partner in creating that system, we will more naturally move into taking on that identity.

2-Generate New Evidence

A new identity in a particular areas requires new evidence. If you do what you've always done, you'll get the same result you've always gotten.

When looking to find new evidence to support your identity, each habit is a vote for the identity you'll ultimately create.

But, just like an election, the winner doesn't need to have every single vote in their favor. "...there are going to be votes for both sides. You don’t need a unanimous vote to win an election; you just need a majority. It doesn’t matter if you cast a few votes for a bad behavior or an unproductive habit. Your goal is simply to win the majority of the time.”

3- Take Pride

The more pride we have in a particular aspect of your identity, the more motivated we will be to maintain the habits associated with it.

Ex: If I take pride in my hair, the more motivated I am to maintain the habits associated with supporting the habits of hair care--coloring, cutting, washing, styling, product researching and purchasing, etc.

Another area to take pride in, is knowing that even if the goal isn't achieved, or the habit isn't accomplished yet, things are moving!

A shift in energy feels good, and momentum is powerful.

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