Identity-based habits
Aim at who you want to become, not the outcome you want to hit
Pick an identity, someone who trains, and treat every session as a vote for it, instead of setting a target like "lose 20 pounds". The argument is that outcome goals end the moment you hit them, while identities keep generating behavior. Practically it means asking what a person like that would do in this moment.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Ali AbdaalRecommends
Doctor turned YouTuber · author of Feel-Good Productivity
Identity comes first when he changes behavior, he says, citing the idea that each action is a vote for the person you want to become.
Source: aliabdaal.com: Atomic Habits book notes - Arnold SchwarzeneggerRecommends
Bodybuilding champion, actor, former governor · Arnold's Pump Club
Argues the point of a short daily workout is protecting your identity as someone who trains and keeps promises to themselves. Skipping, in his framing, is a vote for being someone who quits when motivation runs out.
Source: Arnold's Pump Club newsletter: The 20-Minute Insurance Policy - Chris BumsteadRecommends
Bodybuilder · Six-time Classic Physique Mr. Olympia
Write down who you want to be, not just the goal but the type of person who achieves it, then start acting like that person today. He says he coached himself the same way during Olympia prep, picturing his future self and asking whether a champion would rack the weights early.
Source: The Standard newsletter: How to Master Your Mindset - James ClearRecommends
Author · Atomic Habits
Every action is a vote for the type of person you want to be, in his framing, because identities outlast outcome goals.
Source: jamesclear.com: identity-based habits“Outcomes are about what you get. Processes are about what you do. Identity is about what you believe.”
jamesclear.com: Identity-Based Habits: How to Actually Stick to Your Goals This Year (opens in a new tab)
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