Choose Your Identity

Hello. Let me introduce myself. I'm Thom, and I'm the kind of person who reads every day. I enjoy and find great value in reading, and I've made daily reading part of my identity. I'm a reader. That's who I am.

Those of you who know me know that I am a big believer in process-oriented goals. Outcome-based goals are also great to have, but meaningful outcomes are the result of buying into a consistent process or system. Designing and building specific, sustainable habits help us nurture and develop routines that create our identities. When it comes to reading, I used to have specific goals, but now, I don't set goals. I set a daily schedule.

It's important think about why we do what we do. For me, I like to think that every day I get to practice living the life of the kind of person I want to be in the future. By choosing to practice every day, I can make improvements and small daily gains that get me closer and closer to my longer term goals. Again, the outcome goals are great, but it's the process that really makes the difference.

One vision I have is that I will continue learning and growing throughout my life. And being a life-long reader is an integral part of that life. The great thing is that I don't have to wait. I can be that guy today. So I don't want to read a certain number of books with some arbitrary time schedule. I just want to be a reader. So every day, I decide to be that guy. I decide to live with that identity.

I have several goals, but for the goals I am serious about, I choose my identity then start to make daily habits and tiny gains. I try to do the things that can help me live life better for myself and for those around me. I encourage you to consider doing the same.

Choose your identity. Then dream it. Then live it.

Enjoy the day!

Why You Should Read Every Day - Blaz Kos

Identity-Based Habits - James Clear