Who I need to be to achieve my goals?
Have you ever asked yourself that question? Interestingly this concept of “Be Do Have” or “identity” has been showing up all around me & more importantly as I finalised my personal goals for 2021. Even yesterday as I was attending an alumni event on health and wellbeing the concept of identity change came up.
I would love to my learnings about these two concepts.
Be Do Have.
This concept can be explained as, first we “be” what we want (peaceful, confident, disciplined), then we start “doing” things from this state of being – and we discover that what we’re doing brings us the things we’ve always wanted to “have.” “Be” represents, (personality traits, values, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences). The behaviours (Do) and the have (results).
“You have got to be before you can do and do before you can have.” Zig Ziglar
Identity
One of my favourite books in 2020 was by James Clear, called Atomic Habits. This is where I was able to explore this concept of setting goals at an identity level. I feel it builds on this concept of Be Do Have. To explain it let me put forward his examples. The real goal is not to run a marathon the goal is to become a runner, the goal is not to read a book, the goal is to become a reader/learner.
He explains the 3 layers of behaviour change.
1. Outcomes = what you get, the results.
2. Process = change your habits or systems.
3. Identity = what you believe. He explains most of us work from outcome to identify vs identify to the outcome.
James explains, instead of focusing on what you want to achieve (outcome-based habits) focus on what you wish to become. The ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity. It’s one thing to say I’m the type of person who wants this. It’s something very different to say I’m the type of person who is this. What to know more, check out one of his articles here https://jamesclear.com/identity-based-habits
I have put this concept into practice with my movement goals. My behaviours re my movement goals reflected my old identity. I kept repeating an internal story that was reinforced by my old habits. By changing my identify and asking myself, what would a person with that identity do, I was able to make a shift. What you do is an indication of the type of person you believe that you are – either consciously or unconsciously. As James said, as I was taking small steps towards my goals, each action was casting a vote for the type of person I wish to become. Changing my internal story.
“The trajectory of your life bends in the direction of your habits. “James Clear
If you can master the right actions, master the right habits then you can start to cast votes for this new identity, and prove it to yourself. That is why small habits/changes matter, they don’t transform your life overnight, but those small habits/changes then move you in that direction. Once you have adopted that identity you not only just pursuing behaviour change anymore you are acting in alignment with the type of person you already see yourself to be. True behaviour change is identity change. Once you have changed that internal story it is easier to show up each day. It doesn’t even need motivation – this is who I am now!!!
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