The Secret of Creating Habits That Last a Lifetime

Mar 26, 2025

 by Corey Kissel

The Secret of Creating Habits That Last a Lifetime

Have you ever set a big health or fitness goal, only to fall back into old habits a few weeks later? You start strong, but over time, motivation fades, life gets busy, and suddenly, you're right back where you started.

The problem isn’t you—it’s how you’re approaching change.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear explains that there are three levels of behavior change:

1. Changing Outcomes – Focusing on what you get (e.g., losing 20 pounds, running a marathon).

2. Changing Processes – Focusing on what you do (e.g., following a meal plan, exercising regularly).

3. Changing Identity – Focusing on what you believe about yourself.

"Outcomes are about what you get. Processes are about what you do. Identity is about what you believe."

Most people focus on outcomes—wanting to lose weight, get stronger, or be more fit. Some focus on processes—setting up a workout plan or tracking meals. But real, lasting change happens at the identity level.

"Behind every system of actions is a system of beliefs."

If you’ve struggled with inconsistency, self-sabotage, or losing motivation, your beliefs about yourself may be the root cause. What do you believe about yourself? False beliefs and narratives could be holding you back from achieving your goals.

“I’m not a disciplined person.”
“I’ve never been athletic.”
“I always fail at diets.”

Even if you start a new plan, your old self-image will eventually pull you back.

"It's hard to change your habits if you never change the underlying beliefs that led to your past behavior."

If you want to make real, lasting changes, shift your focus from what you want to achieve to who you want to become.

True Behavior Change is Identity Change

Instead of just setting goals, ask yourself: “Who is the kind of person that naturally achieves these goals?”

Instead of saying:

“I want to lose weight,” say, “I am someone who makes healthy choices.”
“I want to work out more,” say, “I am an active person.”
“I want to eat better,” say, “I am the kind of person who nourishes my body.”

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become."

Every time you choose a workout, drink water instead of soda, or prep a healthy meal, you’re reinforcing your new identity. And here’s the good news:

"This is one reason why meaningful change does not require radical change."

Even the smallest action can be a vote for the new you.

Fundamentally, Habits Are About Becoming Someone

Most people focus on having something: “I want to have a fit body.” But habits are not about having; they’re about becoming.

💡 "Your habits matter because they help you become the type of person you wish to be."

So instead of only thinking about results, focus on becoming the type of person who naturally lives a healthy life.

How to Reinforce Your New Identity

1. Decide the Identity You Want to Build

Ask yourself:

“What kind of person naturally achieves the goals I want?”
“What does a fit and healthy person do daily?”
“What beliefs do I need to change to align with that identity?”

2. Start Casting Small Votes for Your New Identity

The biggest mistake people make is thinking they need huge changes to see results. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be consistent.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Swap soda for water at lunch.

Do 10 push-ups in the morning.

Pack a healthy snack instead of grabbing fast food.

Go for a short walk after dinner.

Each small choice is a vote for your new identity.

3. Make It Easy and Enjoyable

If your habits feel like a punishment, they won’t stick. Instead, set yourself up for success:

Set out your gym clothes the night before.

Meal prep your favorite healthy meals.

Choose workouts you actually enjoy.

Track your progress in a way that feels rewarding.

Over time, these small, consistent actions rewire your identity—until you’re not just trying to be healthier… you are a healthy person.

Who Do You Want to Become?

If you’re struggling with consistency, motivation, or feeling stuck, stop focusing on outcomes and instead focus on identity.

"The most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but on who you wish to become."

You don’t have to change everything overnight. Just start small.

One healthy meal.

One workout.

One good night’s sleep.

And every time you make a choice that aligns with your new identity, you’re proving to yourself that you are that person.

Because you’re not just working toward a goal—you’re changing the way you live your life.