WHY IT’S HARD TO CHANGE OUR HABITS

“True behaviour change is identity change. You might start a habit because of motivation, but the only reason you’ll stick with one is that it becomes part of your identity.”

James Clear, Atomic Habits

We are constantly defining who we are through filters that we may or may not be conscious of:

gender,

ethnicity,

faith,

occupation,

family background,

role in the family,

schools we went to,

academic and professional qualifications,

socio-economic status,

passion and purpose,

hobbies etc.

That is why “I AM” statements are highly recommended when creating affirmations for improving your life.

“I have to lose 10 kg” or “I have to exercise more” is not as effective as

“I AM the person who values being healthy and fit enough to wake up at 5 am everyday without fail for a run”.

Or even better:

I AM AN ATHLETE.

To change our habits, we have to first change our identity.

What new identity do we need to embody to create the change we want?