Build Habits That Match Identity

Atomic Habits by James Clear (Part 2 of 4 mini series - Chapters 3-4)

✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | June 8, 2025 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.

Before you can build habits that stick, you have to become the kind of person who lives them. That’s the core message James Clear emphasizes in Chapters 2–3 of Atomic Habits. Your daily behaviors are a reflection of your identity, and your identity is shaped by your habits. Want lasting change? Don’t chase results. Start by becoming the person who does the things you admire.

Chapters 2–3 dive deep into the psychological side of habits. Clear emphasizes identity-based habits over outcome-based habits. Instead of saying “I want to be successful,” say “I am a disciplined entrepreneur.” Every habit you perform is a vote for the type of person you believe you are.

As an entrepreneur, if your habits reflect chaos, your identity starts to lean into being disorganized. But flip the script—begin embodying the identity of the leader you want to be. Identity comes from repetition. Do it enough and it becomes who you are.

Step-by-Step Habit Instructions:

Write your entrepreneurial identity statement.
Choose one behavior that affirms it.
Start with just 2 minutes a day.
Pair the behavior with a morning or evening routine.
Track and reflect how it strengthens your sense of identity.

Thought-Provoking Question:

Who are you becoming through your daily actions?

Task:

Write one identity statement (e.g., “I’m a founder who follows through”) and practice a reinforcing habit daily for 7 days.

Conclusion:

Who you are is shaped by what you repeatedly do. Reinforce your desired identity by aligning your daily actions. Next week, we unpack the Four Laws that make behavior change sustainable.

Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host

Buy Atomic Habits by James Clear on Amazon here.
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