Last time we learned about the habit loop. Now let's discover what actually drives lasting change: your identity.
Most people focus on outcomes like "I want to lose 20 pounds." But successful people think differently.
Engagement Message
What's a goal you've set recently that you struggled to maintain?
Here's the game-changer: instead of focusing on what you want to achieve, focus on who you want to become.
"I want to lose weight" becomes "I am someone who takes care of their health." Feel the difference?
Engagement Message
Rewrite your goal as an identity—how does it feel?
Your identity is the strongest predictor of your behavior. When you believe "I am a reader," you naturally read books. When you believe "I am healthy," you naturally make healthy choices.
Identity creates automatic alignment between who you are and what you do.
Engagement Message
What identity do you already have that drives your behavior?
Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become. Read one page? That's a vote for "I am a reader."
Do ten pushups? That's a vote for "I am fit." Each small action reinforces your identity.
Engagement Message
Does this make sense?
Here's why identity-based goals work better: they create internal motivation. You don't read because you "should" - you read because that's who you are.
External pressure becomes internal drive. The behavior feels authentic, not forced.
Engagement Message
Can you think of a behavior that feels natural because it matches your identity?
The magic formula is simple: Instead of "I want to [outcome]," say "I am someone who [behavior]."
"I want to write a book" becomes "I am a writer." "I want to get fit" becomes "I am athletic."
Engagement Message
What outcome goal could you reframe using this formula?
Type
Swipe Left or Right
Practice Question
Let's practice identifying identity-based versus outcome-based goals. Swipe each statement based on whether it focuses on identity or outcomes.
Labels
- Left Label: Identity Goal
- Right Label: Outcome Goal
Left Label Items
- I am a morning person
- I am someone who exercises daily
- I am a non-smoker
- I am financially responsible
Right Label Items
- I want to wake up early
- I want to lose 10 pounds
- I want to quit smoking
- I want to save more money
