The Feel-Good Identity

Have you ever told yourself "I just need to be more disciplined," or "I wish I had more motivation to work out"? What if I told you that discipline and motivation aren't actually the secret to sticking with your habits?

The real key? Becoming the kind of person who just does the things that makes them feel good.

Your Identity Shapes Your Habits (Not the Other Way Around)

"True behavior change is identity change. When your behavior and your identity are fully aligned, you are no longer pursuing behavior change. You are simply acting like the type of person you already believe yourself to be." - James Clear

Most of us approach habits backward. We think:

• If I work out consistently, then I'll finally see myself as someone who's active.

• If I eat balanced meals, then I'll be someone who "eats healthy."

But habits don't create identity - identity creates habits.

When you shift your identity first, your actions follow. Instead of trying to force yourself to work out every day, you can decide right now:

• I'm the kind of person who moves their body because it makes me feel amazing.

• I'm someone who prioritizes simple, feel-good choices that nourish me.

When you see yourself this way, suddenly, that 15-minute workout isn't a chore - it's just something you do because it aligns with who you are.

How to Step Into the "Feel-Good" Identity

The good news? You don't have to wait to be "good enough" to start. You can step into this identity right now.

1. Start With One Tiny Habit

   Instead of overhauling everything, pick one small, feel-good habit to anchor yourself to. Maybe it's:

   1. Drinking a big glass of water every morning

   2. Doing a 15-minute workout (hello, BFF Daily 15!)

   3. Adding a veggie to one meal

   Each time you do it, you reinforce the belief: This is who I am.

2. Talk to Yourself Like the Person You're Becoming

   Words matter. Instead of saying "Ugh, I have to work out," try:

   1. "I get to move my body because it makes me feel amazing."

   2. "I am someone who follows through on what makes me feel good."

3. Let Go of "All or Nothing" Thinking

   You don't have to be perfect to embody this identity. A 5-minute walk still counts. A single balanced meal still counts. Progress is what matters, not perfection.

4. Create Visual Reminders of Your Feel-Good Identity

   Sometimes we need little nudges. Try:

   1. Setting your phone background to a mantra like "I am someone who feels good."

   2. Putting a sticky note on your mirror with "What's one feel-good choice I can make today?"

It's time to Become That Person

The truth? You already are that person. You just need to practice being them daily.

So today, ask yourself: What's one small thing I can do to embody the version of me who feels good?

Then go do it. Your future self will thank you.

I would love to hear from you - what's your feel-good habit this week? Drop it in the comments!

(P.S. If you're looking for a simple, feel-good workout routine, check out The BFF Membership - 15-minute workouts designed to fit into your life, not take it over!)