“Good habits can make rational sense, but if they conflict with your identity, you will fail to put them into action.” Adam Grant
This quote resonated with me deeply, as I’ve often found myself caught in the whirlwind of habit trends. You know the ones—morning routines that promise productivity, meal plans that guarantee health, workout schedules that pledge fitness. They always sound so enticing, like the secret formula to a better life. Yet, despite my best intentions, I often struggle to stick with them.
For a long time, this struggle felt like a personal failing. I would beat myself up for not having the discipline to stick to a routine, thinking that maybe I just wasn’t trying hard enough. Grant’s words struck a chord and offered a new perspective: it’s not just about the habits themselves—it’s about whether they align with who we truly are.
I’ve realized that many of the habits I’ve tried to adopt were at odds with my natural flow. They didn’t resonate with my identity. I thrive on spontaneity, on listening to what my body and soul need in each moment. Rigid routines, no matter how well-intentioned, often feel like a straitjacket. They might make rational sense, but they don’t honor the essence of who I am.
This realization has been liberating. It’s helped me understand that failing to stick to a habit isn’t necessarily a failure at all—it’s a sign that the habit might not be in harmony with my true self. It’s an invitation to explore and find what aligns with my identity instead of forcing myself into a mold that doesn’t fit.
I’m learning to embrace habits that feel like a natural extension of who I am, rather than a set of rules I must follow. For me, this means tuning into what my body needs each day, whether it’s a gentle stretch, a nourishing meal, or simply a quiet moment of stillness. It means creating space for joy and spontaneity, rather than rigidly sticking to a plan.
So, I encourage you to reflect on the habits you’ve been trying to cultivate. Are they truly in alignment with who you are, or do they feel like an uncomfortable costume you’re trying to wear?
Let’s give ourselves permission to let go of what doesn’t serve us and to embrace the practices that resonate with our unique selves. After all, it’s not about following the trends—it’s about finding what lights us up from within.
