Your behavior won't change until the way you see yourself does

In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear explains why habits are so difficult to break.

It's because we tend to focus on surface-level actions.

Most people start by focusing on outcome-based goals like...

• “I want to lose 20 pounds.”

• “I want to write a best-selling book.”

But these are surface level changes.

“Every behavior has a surface level craving and a deeper underlying motive.” James Clear

Our behavior is intimately connected to something deeper: our identity.

Meaning that your behavior is a reflection of who you believe you are.

If you want to create sustainable change in behavior, you must start by shifting how you see yourself.

Each action you perform is driven by the fundamental belief that it is possible.

So, if you change your identity (the type of person that you believe that you are), then it’s easier to change your actions.

Using the examples above, instead of saying “I want to lose 20 pounds," say "I'm a person who makes good eating choices."

Instead of declaring “I want to write a best-selling book!” identify as a writer who consistently generates content.

That identity, more so than anything else, will push you to make any necessary behavioral changes and then keep going when your motivation has long since waned.