Who Will You Be This Year?
I would be a better version of myself if I were more consistent with some habits.
Because of that, I’m joining millions of other humans this month in considering making a resolution for the year.
James Clear, who is widely recognized as the author of the best book on habits, says the key with resolutions is to build “Identity-Based Habits.”
He says, “To change your behavior for good, you need to start believing new things about yourself.”
More important than setting outcome goals like lose 20 pounds, and more important than setting process goals like exercise 3x per week, you should set identity-goals, like become a fit person.
In other words, the primary focus shouldn’t be to run a marathon; it should be to become a long-distance runner.
The focus shouldn’t be to hit a certain profit target; it should be to become a value-driven operation.
Who Do You Want to Become?
My twin boys are contemplating what to study when they attend university next year. To help, I recently enlisted my good friend who is a well-regarded professor.
The first question my friend asked my boys was, “Who do you want to become in the next four years at university?”
“Well,” one of my sons responded, “I’d like to go into business, maybe law…”
“No,” the professor politely interrupted. “Who do you want to become? What type of person do you want to be? Entrepreneurial? A financial expert? Analytical? Wise and thoughtful? Values-driven?”
“The purpose of a liberal arts education,” he continued, “is to develop people who can engage thoughtfully and broadly in civic life, not just a single profession.”
It seems James Clear would say this not only applies to university studies, but to life.
The purpose of habit formation is to become the type of person who can adapt behaviors and processes to ever-evolving objectives and circumstances.
James Clear explains that this is the recipe for sustained success:
- Decide the type of person you want to be.
- Prove it to yourself with small process wins.
Want to be a better friend?
Identity: Become the type of person who always stays in touch.
Small win: Call one friend every Saturday.
Want to build stronger relationships at work?
Identity: become a curious person.
Small win: Ask at least one thoughtful question in every meeting.
What about me?
I want to be less bossy and entitled when I’m not getting my way.
To do that, my New Year’s Resolution is to become a flexible person under stress.
My small win will be reading a personal vision statement every morning after I walk the dog that describes the type of flexible and gracious mindset I want to hold throughout the day.
Let’s face it. Some aspects of our identity can’t be changed … but other aspects can.
Consider for yourself, who do you want to become this year?
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