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Systems and motivation won’t get you to your destination, but this will
Example
Goal: I want to weigh 100 pounds less.
Process: I will do x, y, and z to achieve this.
Question: Okay. Why is this your goal?
Answer: Because I want to look good.
That response is okay, but that reason might not be enough to keep you going when you don’t feel like working on your goals.
A better response would be: I want to be a healthier person that consistently takes care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. I view myself as a self-disciplined person. A self-disciplined person is not overweight and takes care of their body – even when they don’t feel like it. They are conscious of what they put in their body at all times and do not take their health for granted.
Motivation Isn’t Enough To Accomplish Your Goals
When you feel like quitting, remind yourself who you desire to be.
I love the example James Clear offers in his book, Atomic Habits. Two people are trying to quit smoking. When they are offered a cigarette, here are their responses:
Person A: No thanks. I’m trying to quit.
Person B: No thanks. I’m not a smoker.
Notice the big difference in responses here. One has not unidentified themselves with smoking. The other no longer identifies with smoking, which will make their journey a lot easier.
Whether you believe you are something or not, you are right. How we identify ourselves is pivotal in determining our results in life.
So, the question is: How do you identify yourself now? Are you the person trying to be x. Or are you the person who is x?
The Driving Factor Behind Your Goals
Identity: This should be the driving factor behind all of your goals. When you resonate and prioritize who you desire to be, you will naturally be motivated to continue on the path that closes the gap between who you are now and who you view yourself as.
If you view yourself as the person trying to lose 100 pounds, who isn’t healthy, who doesn’t consistently prioritize their health, and always overeats, you’re more likely to stay at your current weight.
However, if you view yourself as 100 pounds lighter, a healthy individual, a self-disciplined individual, and someone who takes care of yourself – even when you don’t feel like it, you will most likely reach your goal faster.
Processes are great. You will need a process to get you from where you are now to 100 pounds lighter, but you have to be motivated to execute your process consistently. Motivation doesn’t birth itself from thin air; it comes from how and who you identify yourself to be.
Success boils down to identity.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.