As the clock strikes midnight and we usher in a new year, many of us seize the opportunity for a fresh start. New Year’s resolutions are made with the best intentions—lose 10 pounds, save more money, run a marathon. But by February, a staggering majority of resolutions lie abandoned.
Why does this happen?
Often, the problem lies not in the goals themselves but in the way we approach them.
Outcome-based resolutions focus on what we want to achieve. Identity-based resolutions, on the other hand, focus on who we want to become. This subtle but profound shift can dramatically increase your likelihood of success. Here’s why.
The Problem with Outcome-Based Resolutions
Outcome-based goals are alluring. They give us something tangible to aim for: a specific weight, an amount in savings, or a finish line to cross. However, they come with significant limitations:
Short-Term Mindset: Focusing solely on outcomes can lead to temporary changes rather than sustainable habits. Once the goal is achieved (or abandoned), there’s little to anchor long-term behaviour.
External Validation: These resolutions often tie success to external markers, leaving us vulnerable to setbacks and discouragement if results are slow.
Identity Clash: If your self-concept doesn’t align with the resolution, the effort feels forced. For instance, someone who identifies as a “chronic procrastinator” will struggle to become a “consistent worker” without shifting their underlying identity.
The Power of Identity-Based Resolutions
Identity-based resolutions start with the question: Who do I want to become?
Instead of setting a goal to run a marathon, you decide to become “a runner.” Instead of aiming to save £5,000, you decide to become “a financially responsible person.” This approach fosters lasting transformation by embedding goals into your sense of self.
Here’s why it works:
Habit Formation: When your actions align with your identity, behaviours become automatic. A runner doesn’t question whether to lace up their shoes; it’s just what they do.
Intrinsic Motivation: Identity-based resolutions tap into deeper values, making the process itself rewarding, not just the end result.
Resilience: By focusing on identity, setbacks become opportunities to reinforce who you are, rather than reasons to quit. If you miss a workout, you’re still a runner; you just had an off day.
How to Create Identity-Based Resolutions
Reflect on Your Core Values: Consider the traits and qualities you admire. Do you want to be healthier, more disciplined, or more compassionate? Use these as your guide.
Define Your New Identity: Phrase it in the present tense. For example:
“I am someone who prioritises my health.”
“I am a disciplined saver.”
“I am a lifelong learner.”
Start Small with Habits: Identify daily or weekly habits that align with your identity. If you want to become a reader, commit to reading one page a day. If you want to be a fit person, commit to 10 minutes of movement daily.
Track Progress and Celebrate Actions: Keep a log of actions that reinforce your new identity. Celebrate the small wins, like choosing a healthy snack or completing a short workout. These moments reinforce your self-concept.
Reframe Setbacks: Instead of seeing them as failures, use them to affirm your identity. Missing a workout doesn’t negate your identity as a fit person; it’s an opportunity to remind yourself that consistency, not perfection, defines you.
Example Transformations
Outcome-Based: “Lose 20 pounds.”
Identity-Based: “I am someone who makes healthy choices.”
Habit: Meal prep every Sunday.
Outcome-Based: “Save £10,000.”
Identity-Based: “I am a financially mindful person.”
Habit: Review your budget weekly.
Outcome-Based: “Read 12 books this year.”
Identity-Based: “I am a curious and consistent reader.”
Habit: Read for 10 minutes before bed.
Why This Year Will Be Different
Resolutions fail because they demand change without addressing who we are. Identity-based resolutions flip the script. They prioritise transformation from the inside out, building sustainable habits and fostering long-term success. As you set your intentions this year, ask yourself not just what you want to achieve but who you want to become.
Make this the year you stop chasing outcomes and start embodying the person you aspire to be. The results will follow.
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