New Year. New Do. New You.

“The most practical way to change who you are is to change what you do.” -James Clear, book Atomic Habits

The single best hack that enables any habit or resolution to stick is to make them part of your identity. Tweak your thinking from “I’m the type of person who wants this” to “I’m the type of person who is this.” James Clear describes this in detail in Chapter 2 of his excellent book Atomic Habits which I highly, highly recommend. (Also sign up for his free weekly newsletter. Tons of great stuff.)

He writes below…

True behavior 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. Anyone can convince themselves to visit the gym or eat healthy once or twice, but if you don’t shift the belief behind the behavior, then it is hard to stick with long-term changes. Improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are.

The goal is not to read a book, the goal is to become a reader. The goal is not to run a marathon, the goal is to become a runner. The goal is not to learn an instrument, the goal is to become a musician.

Okay, so how do you do this?

It’s a two step process.

First, decide what type of person you want to become.

Second, take action. Prove your new identity with small, daily wins.

Writers write.

Bloggers blog.

Readers read.

Athletes train.

Runners run.

Leaders encourage.

Investors decide.

Musicians play.

Who will you be? What will you do? It’s all up to you.