When it comes to personal growth, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of outcomes. We set ambitious goals, chase achievements, and seek external validation, believing these things will lead to a more fulfilling life. But as James Clear wisely points out in Atomic Habits, the real power lies in shifting our focus from what we want to achieve to who we want to become.
A goal-oriented mindset says, “I want to run a marathon.” An identity-based mindset asks, “What kind of person am I?” and then takes specific action when the answer is a “marathoner.”. The question becomes, “What would a runner do?” and the answer is to train consistently, eat well, and prioritize recovery. The race itself becomes a natural consequence of the habits you’ve built and the identity you’ve cultivated.
This shift in perspective is a journey of self-discovery. We must first turn inward and reflect on our values, strengths, and aspirations. Instead of asking, “What does God want me to do?” we can ask, “What kind of person am I called to be?” The pursuit of our “authentic self” isn’t passive; it’s an active process of aligning our actions with our deepest desires and beliefs. It’s about being intentional with our habits, our choices, and our thoughts, and allowing our self to emerge through that consistency.
The person we wish to become is a continuous process of growth and refinement. We are not simply discovering who we are; we are actively creating. It’s a lifelong endeavor filled with trials, errors, and moments of profound clarity and heartbreaks. The true legacy we leave isn’t a list of accomplishments; it’s the person we became.
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