James Clear says that one of the secrets to building good habits that last is by focusing on “identity-based habits“ rather than on “outcome-based habits.”
“True behaviour change is identity change” (James Clear).
Here are 2 steps to forming “identity-based habits“:
- Decide the type of person you want to become: When you imagine yourself at your absolute best, who are you?
- Prove it to yourself with small wins. Each “small win” will reinforce your new identity and your new identity will begin to shape your habits.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become” (James Clear).
Therefore, it’s not about being perfect but rather about casting the most votes for your new desired identity. Soon enough, you’ll have enough evidence for a particular identity and truly believe that you are this new person. This is why “atomic habits” matter so much!
“Habits are not a finish line to be crossed, they are a lifestyle to be lived” (James Clear).
Since “identity” in Latin literally means “repeated being-ness”, we can say that your habits literally create your sense of identity.
Examples for Our 3 Holy Habits:
Identity #1: Become the type of person who never misses daily Eucharistic Adoration.
- Small win: Drop by the Adoration chapel on your way home from work/school for at least 1 minute this week.
Identity #2: Become the type of person who never misses daily Mass.
- Small win: Go to Mass! lol
Identity #3: Become the type of person who never misses daily spiritual reading.
- Small win: Read at least 1 page of a spiritual book after lunchtime every day.
The Prodigal Catholic Blog 