By Ahsan
Growing up, I was really into Superman and Spiderman. As a real small child, I wish I could fly and make webs shoot out of my wrists. But, I also thought it would be cool to be who I was not⎯a superhero with extraordinary strength and the admiration of the people I saved using my powers.
Not until recently did I realize that the underlying fascination with superheroes lies in the phenomenon of vicariously changing your identity from your ordinary self to someone greater. Peter Parker and Clark Kent are much like me, regular, average and one of many. However, Spiderman and Superman are quite the opposite and represent a transformation from "mild-mannered guy next door" to "superhero with mystique and muscles to boot!"
I never realized the power of “identity change” as being the spider bite that leads to greatness until I read a book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book has received great reviews and reveals a framework for success by building positive habits or dropping harmful ones.
Mr. Clear has a very engaging writing style and brings home several vital points that deliver the essential keys to anyone's desire to go from zero to hero.
Goals, according to James, are great, but rather than focus on goals, you ought to focus on who you want to become. In other words, what identity do you wish to adopt! For example, do you want to lose weight and get ready for an upcoming wedding, or do you see yourself as a fit and healthy person? Do you want to read three books this year that will advance your personal development, or do you see yourself as a lifelong learner?
James offers a simple message to harness the power of identity change as a means to achieving your goals.
It has two parts. They are simple and straightforward.
My friend Shazad and partner in the campaign to make you more Awesome adds a third.
So here is the Super Awesome Action Plan for achieving your goals through changing your identity:
First, decide who you want to be!
Then, prove it to yourself with small wins.
Live each day accordingly.
As James correctly points out. Everyone has goals. This is not a remarkable thing. What activates the power of goals is a decision to identify the identity you need to embody, so you become someone who accomplishes the goal.
This is the path to your greatness; however, you define it. Become the person that would achieve the goal.
With great identity comes great achievement.
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