By Shazad
“Every habit and capability is confirmed and grows in its corresponding actions, walking by walking, and running by running… therefore, if you want to do something, make a habit of it.”
Epictetus
It’s that time of year again. Almost New Year’s day and many people will be going through the ritualistic celebrations leading up to midnight on January 1st and then setting resolutions for the new year. Sadly, many will fail within weeks or a few months of setting new goals and intentions for the year. This is despite the best of intentions and sincere efforts to make life changes. There has to be a better way to improve life each year and I’ll show you how.
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be One.”
Marcus Aurelius
After reading many books about life-changing transformations by the greats such as Anthony Robbins, James Clear, Ryan Holiday, and even the Navy Seal, Jocko Willink, one word is the answer to better habits. IDENTITY. Everyone has a need to be consistent with who they believe they are. If we think we are healthy and responsible people, we will seek out and practice the habits of such people like eating nutritious foods, following an exercise plan, and, taking care of ourselves in every respect. If a person believes they are a ‘smoker’ or a ‘lazy person’, they act out the habits of such a person. The same thing goes for intelligence, work performance, and even family relationships. Whatever you keep telling yourself about yourself is what you become in the long run. It affects short-term behaviour as well like what you will eat for breakfast today, how you will study for that exam, or deliver that presentation. Even when you go to sleep tonight and what time you wake up is part of your identity that makes you the person you are.
“Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer. Put your principles into practice–now. Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! […] Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do–now.”
Epictetus, The Art of Living
It’s not enough to just say you want a better life or have better habits in 2023 or any given year. You have to ask yourself who you are or perhaps, who you are trying to become in the new year and then be consistent with that identity by doing the things that align with that person. That’s the only way to make life transformations that last more than a few days or weeks. It’s also not about the calendar or what everyone else is doing. Transforming your being at the source makes habit changes and refinement a part of your identity. You need to check-in with person you want to be, every day. Let’s make the New Year about Human Transformation through positive identity changes that last a lifetime.
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