Habit equals identity

It is easy for people to recognize you for what you do every day. If you’re looking for help in certain situations, deep down, you know those who can help you and those who won’t. This is because you know who they are. You know they are not good and won’t be able to help in that kind of situation. Even if you want to ask them for help, you simply ask if they know someone that can help you in the situation you find yourself. This is because you know the kind of person they are, what they are good at, how they live their life every day, their identity, and what they stand for.

The same applies to us. We have an identity, know our strengths, and understand our values. Often, our habits define us in ways we may not realize; they shape our identity because the outcomes we achieve in life reflect our actions. As the Yoruba people say, you cannot plant mango and expect to harvest rice. Your identity influences the friends you attract and the company you keep. For example, if you smoke, you'll likely be friends with fellow smokers. Similarly, if you love football, you'll likely have friends who share that interest.

Our habits create our identity and build up our beliefs.

If you make going to the gym a habit, people will see you as an athlete. If you make playing a musical instrument a habit, people will see you as a musician. Whatever you spend your time on, or develop a habit around, you are strengthening yourself in that area, and that becomes your identity. Knowing who you are and what you stand for makes it easy to form habits that reflect who you are, because that's how people will perceive you. For example, if you want to be known as a musician, you should spend more time with musical instruments and people who can sing. Live your life in a way that helps you become better as a musician.

Creating a habit can be challenging for most people because it may not align with their core beliefs. When your actions and beliefs are not in sync, changing your habits can be a struggle. Your beliefs are shaped by the small victories and improvements gained through your habits. If you aspire to be a professional athlete, it's the little triumphs along the way that cultivate your belief in yourself. Our habits play a crucial role in shaping our beliefs and, ultimately, our identity.

Don't play with it

Many people underestimate the importance of habits, but they are crucial because they shape and prepare us for the future. To become who you want to be, you must start building the right habits today. Even though individual habits may seem small, they collectively define who you are.

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