How to develop the right habits to support your identity.

Create Habits That Support Who You Want to Become

I’ve been reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, and while it may sound like “just another book on habits,” it goes much deeper. It’s really about identity—who you want to become—and how your repeated habits shape that identity over time.

The truth is simple: your identity is built by the habits you practice, good or bad. If you want to become the person you envision, you need to consistently repeat the right habits.

1. Define Who You Want to Be

Start by asking yourself: What do I want to be?

Sure, genetics set some limitations—your body may be better suited for certain sports or activities than others. But your personality often plays a much bigger role in shaping your identity and success.

2. Understand Your Personality

Psychologists often refer to the “Big Five” personality traits:

• Openness: curious vs. consistent

• Conscientiousness: organized vs. spontaneous

• Extraversion: energetic vs. reserved

• Agreeableness: compassionate vs. detached

• Neuroticism: sensitive vs. calm

Knowing where you fall on these spectrums can help you choose habits that feel natural and sustainable.

3. Ask the Right Questions

To uncover your strengths, reflect on:

• What feels like fun for me but like work for others?

• What makes me lose track of time (flow)?

• Where do I see better results than most people?

• What comes naturally to me?

Build your focus around these areas—and if others seem “better” at one skill, remember your unique combination of traits and talents may be your true advantage.

4. Redefine Hard Work

Working hard isn’t just about effort. It’s about creating habits that align with your goals—and letting go of habits that pull you in the wrong direction.

5. Build Better Habits

Clear’s four-step formula is simple:

1. Make it obvious

2. Make it attractive

3. Make it easy

4. Make it satisfying

Set up your environment for success, use habit stacking (pair a new habit with an existing one), and embrace repetition—even when it feels boring. Progress comes from consistency.

6. Track What Matters (But Not Too Much)

Tracking can be useful, but don’t obsess over a single number. For example, focusing only on weight might drive you to cut calories in unhealthy ways. Choose measurements that support long-term growth, not short-term fixes.

The bottom line: Your identity is shaped by your habits. Choose habits that align with who you want to be, repeat them often, and let time do the rest.

Updated: 8/22/2025