James Clear writes about the importance of identity in habit formation in his bestselling book, Atomic Habits. He asks, “Why is it so easy to repeat bad habits and so hard to form good ones?” The first reason is we are trying to change the wrong thing. Check out this first image of concentric circles →
Outcomes are about what you get. Processes are about what you do. Identity is about what you believe. Every level of change is important, but the problem comes in the direction of change.
Many people attempt to build “outcome-based habits” focused on what they want to achieve, moving in the direction of a desired identity in the future.
The better alternative is to build “identity-based habits.” These begin with a focus on who we wish to become and move in the direction of the processes that will achieve the desired outcomes. See the second set of images.
Clear writes, “Improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are. The goal is not to read a book, the goal is to become a reader. The goal is not to run a marathon, the goal is to become a runner. The goal is not to learn an instrument, the goal is to become a musician.”
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Ok, on to the spiritual application: “Discipleship” concerns the life of someone who identifies as a follower of Jesus: “I’m a Christian.” “I’m a Lutheran Christian.” “I’m a Jesus-follower.” And so on.
James Clear’s work helps me see a difference between “outcome-based” discipleship and “identity-based” discipleship. The former approach focuses the disciple on the sins left to conquer and the good works yet needed to produce. This approach proceeds on the fuel of legalism and results in cycles of pride and despair. The conscience remains restless.
A better way forward is a discipleship based on our identity in Christ. “I’m a baptized and forgiven child of God.” “I’m a sinner-saint.” “I’m a new creation in Christ.” And so on. This approach proceeds by the promise of the gospel and results in the daily cycle of “dying and rising in Christ.” The conscience is captivated by Christ.
Let’s bring in St. Paul to drive this home. He wrote, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:14) There it is. An outcome-based discipleship remains “under law” and sin will constantly lord over us. An identity-baptized discipleship rises up “under grace” and flies on wings of an eagle.
Shalom,
Pastor Tom