Habits

 Habits

Habits are the building blocks of who we are. We are a product of our habits. Every single action you take has an impact on your overall being. Knowing this, how do we create the right habits?

The book Atomic Habits explains this to perfection in Chapter 2 titled How Your Habits Shape Your Identity (and Vice Versa). I will do my best job of summarizing the main takeaways in this chapter. 

There are essentially two different ways that habits are formed: habits formed based on an outcome, and habits formed based on an identity. So what is what?

Typically, we form habits because we want to A. accomplish something, or B. become a better version of ourselves. The first is an outcome-based habit and the second is an identity-based habit. 

First, let’s talk outcome-based habits. These habits are formed from the desire to accomplish something. We want to get something done so we create systems of doing that and that changes our identity. If you want to write a book, you put systems in place to get it done, and as a result you become a writer. The outcome inspired the creation of a system and that system changed the identity.

Now, let’s look at it the other way. Let’s say you want to become a writer, that is your goal. You now will look for ways to make this identity, which include writing (systems) and having an end product (outcome). We were able to create something based on wanting to become something else.

I believe this correlates with the theme of everything I teach. Figure out what you want, and create steps to get there. Both types of habits have a positive output. The more you practice the systems needed to achieve the goal, the closer to the goal you will get. That is what habits are. 

Put simply, establish a vision, create systems, take action. 

~Thank you for reading. My goal is to help teach others ways to better themselves while doing the same for myself. This is The Exploration.~