When was the last time you tried to start a new habit? Did it go something like this? You are motivated and inspired and promise to start working out more, for example. You plan where, when, and how long you’ll start working out. For a couple of days, maybe weeks, you commit and stick to your new habit. But similar to the last time you promised yourself you’ll start and stick to your habit, you fail to commit to the habit for the long term. If this is how you approach changing your habits, you’re not alone. I’ve been trying to change my habits this way for years. Most people take this approach when starting new habits. But, there is a missing piece to this approach that must come first to achieve lasting behavior change. Your beliefs. In this article, I will discuss why changing your beliefs is the key to building habits that last and a few steps you can take to start this process.
WHAT ARE BELIEFS?
Merriam Webster defines belief as “a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing.” Our beliefs are what guide our life and shape our identities. Our beliefs make us who we are at our core.
WHY CHANGING YOUR BELIEFS IS KEY TO BUILDING HABITS THAT LAST
In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear talks about the key to building habits that last, writing, “Most people begin the process of changing their habits by focusing on what they want to achieve, (outcome-based habits) but to build habits that last you must start focusing on who we wish to become (identity-based habits).”
For example, one of my goals was to start writing this year. I’ve had this goal for several years, but it never became a reality until this year. Why was this year finally the year my goal became a reality? The simple answer is that I shifted my beliefs. Before I even touched my computer and started to write, I had to have a heart-to-heart with my current self. Analyzing my current behaviors, I got crystal clear about beliefs that had gotten in my way in the past. I decided on who I wanted to be and how I would need to act and show up to be that person. Focusing on who you want to become is what most people skip or think about last when trying to change their habits. But, when I made this step the primary step of changing my habits, that made a tremendous difference in my ability to stick to my habits long term.
To illustrate this point further, James Clear also writes,
“It’s impossible to change your habits if you don’t change your beliefs that led to the behavior. You can set all the goals and make all the plans in the world, but if you don’t change who you are as a person, you will almost always go back to who you were before.“
Focus on changing your beliefs, and then you’ll have a better chance of changing your habits and your life for the long term.
THREE WAYS YOU CAN START TO CHANGE YOUR BELIEFS ABOUT YOURSELF
DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF PERSON YOU WANT TO BECOME
What are your values? What do you stand for? Knowing your values and what’s most important to you is crucial in changing your beliefs and habits. Your values reveal what matters most to you. Get clear on what matters most to you. Then decide how you will have to regularly show up and act to live in alignment with who you want to be.
TAKE SMALL ACTIONS
Now that you are clear on what matters to you and the kind of person you need to be to live in alignment with who you want to be, it’s time to act. James Clear writes in Atomic Habits, “every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” So, take action (no matter how small) that supports your desired identity. For example, before I decided to start writing, I started reading and listening to books regularly—great writers are avid readers.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE
The people that you surround yourself with significantly influence your beliefs. Your circle of influence can either be a help or a hindrance to you. In his book High Performance Habits, Brendon Burchard states,
“Behaviors, attitudes, and health outcomes tend to form in social clusters. The people around you even affect how much you sleep, the food that you eat, how much money you spend or save.”
Regularly surround yourself with people who inspire and empower you. Or, at the least, feed your mind with new thoughts and beliefs that challenge you to be the best version of yourself.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The first step to changing your habits is focusing on your beliefs. Our beliefs can both help and harm us. Constantly feed your mind with healthy thoughts that align with who you want to become. When you first focus on changing your beliefs, you can change your habits and ultimately change your life.
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