One of the best habit books I have read is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
One of the really interesting insights I took from the book was his concept of changing your identity – your self image.
This concept changes the mindset or focus from what you want to achieve to what you want to become.
The example he gives is from someone who is trying to quit smoking. If you change your perception of yourself from someone who is trying to quit smoking to someone who does’t smoke – it can have a profound impact on your success.
I adopted this strategy earlier this year when I wanted to adopt a new morning routine of getting up early to exercise and journal before the work day started.
I had tried and failed so many time to get up early to exercise – so just trying one more time was not going to cut it.
I needed a new angle – and this was going to be it. And it worked!
In addition to changing the dialogue I had with myself as someone who was trying to become a morning person – to someone who got up early every day to exercise and journal – I tied this new routine to my purpose and values – and knew that it was a key element to helping me thrive.
That combination was magic – and I was able to maintain the morning routine – and truly benefit from it.
If you are looking to start something new, stop a bad habit, or simply looking to continuously improve – I highly recommend “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
