When you internalize the actions and identity traits of the person you want to become, you will find that it becomes much easier to start acting and behaving like the person you would like to be. You don’t want to quit smoking. No, you simply are not a smoker. You don’t run once in a while. No, you are a runner.
It is when you transform actions into traits of your personality that the magic starts to happen, as I have experienced. I am by no means a perfect human being, but this simple shift in mindset has tremendously helped me in making changes to my habits and lifestyle. I am more inclined to actually tie my shoes and go for the planned run when I remind myself that I am a runner – and runners go on their planned runs, no excuses.
From External Goals to Internal Identity
For me, this simple technique works much better than trying to stack habits, block time, or use any other short-term trick you can find. Self-help gurus may suggest making detailed plans, like a diet plan, but they often forget how difficult it is to follow through on those plans when your goals are purely designed from external and sometimes superficial desires, such as wanting to be in shape for the summer season. There is a reason why most New Year’s resolutions fail…
I am shaping my future daily by emulating the person I want to become.
As with many areas in life, changing your life for the better eventually comes down to your intrinsic motivation. I have come to realize, after many years, that this is also the case for sustaining good habits. I am now running more than ever, eating healthier, and genuinely following through on what I set out to do. It feels good, and with each step I take, I feel that I am moving in the direction I want to go. I am shaping my future daily by emulating the person I want to become.
If you don’t already have a clear idea of where you’re headed, start to notice and identify the traits of the personality you want to embody. Note it down and revisit often.
If you want to lose weight, don’t start because you want to impress everyone on the beach. Start because you want to live a healthy life and be able to play with your grandchildren. If you want to read more, don’t start because you want to show off. Start because you want to become a well-read individual with shelves full of wisdom.
It is by acting as my future self that I eventually become my future self.
The transformation happens when you have internalized your ideal self over time. There is no specific date for this change, but at some point, you will suddenly realize that you have actually become the person you aspired to be, running three times a week or reading one book a week, just by consistently showing up and doing your thing each day.
I am aware that I have many transformations ahead of me, and I am excited about them! There is nothing better than the feeling of starting a new chapter in life, fully conscious and awake, for a better future. Be patient and enjoy the journey!
