Identity + Environment = Your Backstage Crew 📣

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Let's talk about two things that quietly steer our habits and routines often without us even realising it.

It's not always about willpower or finding the "perfect" routine. It's often about how we see ourselves—our "identity"—and the people and places around us—our "environment".

When these two align, habits feel less like a struggle and more like something you naturally do.

When your habits match your identity, they stick.

Ever notice how a "morning person" doesn't try to get up early—they just do? It's not just discipline. It's simply who they are.

If you believe you're someone who takes care of their health, it starts to feel "off" to skip exercise entirely; sure, you might miss the odd session, but it's never for long. Your brain wants your actions to line up with how you see yourself. And that's a very good thing—think of Muhammad Ali proclaiming he was the "champ" and the "greatest" before he actually was.

Obviously, you can't just scream out "I'm the healthiest"; pump your hands in the air and expect things to happen. Like Ali, you've still got to put in the work, but this subtle shift helps nudge you toward the actions and routines you want to be taking.

Start acting like the version of you who already does the thing.

Even in small, almost laughable ways. You're not pretending. You're practicing. It might sound insignificant, but it's the difference between saying "I don't smoke" versus "I'm quitting"—the latter implies you haven't succeeded yet.

If that sounds a bit much for you, remember: your identity shapes your habits, but your habits also shape your identity—it's a two-way street. You can start the cycle from either end.

You catch habits from your environment — good and bad.

We humans are social creatures, even when we think we're independent. If those closest to you are all about late nights, fast food, and couch marathons—odds are, you'll end up swimming in that same current.

On the flip side?

Spend time around folks who walk, lift, and eat their greens, and suddenly, that becomes your normal too.

Your environment nudges you, subtly and constantly. It's like osmosis for habits.

You don't have to ditch people (please don't), but you can intentionally add new voices and influences that steer you in the direction you want to go. Join clubs, gyms, groups that match your goals. Invite friends to join you, listen to podcasts, and read books. They count too.

Tiny tweaks.

Changing your whole identity or friend circle overnight? Unrealistic.

But nudging things a degree at a time? Totally doable. It's not about overhauling your life. It's about making the healthy choice the obvious choice.

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P.S. If you enjoyed this week's Thursday Three, please share it with a friend.

Thanks,

Jamie