What kind of person do you want to be in 2024?

The end of the year provides a natural place to review the previous year. It is human nature to focus on what went wrong and have ideas about the changes we want to make in the New Year.

While there is a lot of collective desire to commit to dramatic changes that will result in a better version of yourself, that’s not how your brain and nervous system actually work. The person you are today is the direct result of many tiny habits designed to keep you exactly as you are. From constructive habits such as paying your bills to less constructive habits such as a fourth cup of coffee at 4 pm, the habits in your life form you. So, if you’d like to make a change, you need to create the habits that will result in that change.

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear suggests we focus on the person we want to become and the systems that will get us there.

• Would you like to become someone “fit”? What are the habits of a fit person? 

• Would you like to be the type of person for whom money is not a problem? What are the habits of financially successful people? 

• Would you like better relationships? What are the habits of people who have fulfilling relationships? 

If there is a gap between your habits and goals, your habits will win. Set yourself up for success by choosing a habit that is small enough to incorporate into your daily routine, even on the worst days. Once the habit is formed, it takes less energy to sustain, which creates the opportunity to build on it.

Here are some examples to get you inspired:

1. Instead of “I’m going to cut out all sugar,” try thinking, “I am going to be the type of person who does not overeat sugar.” Start with “I’m going to skip the cookie after lunch.”

2. Instead of “I’m going to work out for 90 minutes every day,” try thinking, “I’m going to be the type of person that works out regularly”. Start with “I’m going to do 10 minutes of movement daily.”

3. Instead of “I’m going to learn a new language,” try, “I’m going to be the type of person who studies a new language.” Start with “I’m going to do Duolingo for 5 minutes daily”.

There are also weekly habits that can accumulate into big changes after a year. 

1. Instead of “I’m going to stop eating all fast food,” try thinking, “I’m going to be the type of person who eats meals prepared at home.” Start with “I’m going to meal prep one day a week, so I have healthy meals at home.”

2. Instead of “I’m going to stop wasting money,” try thinking, “I’m going to be the type of person who saves money.” Start with, “I’m going to set up an auto transfer of $X each week into my savings account.”

3. Instead of “I’m going to lose weight,” try thinking, “I’m going to be the type of person who maintains a healthy weight.” Start with “I’m going to track my protein servings daily to ensure I’m getting enough protein.”

Here are some questions to ask yourself based on these ideas:

1. What goal would I like to achieve by December 2024? Be specific!

2. What type of person has achieved that goal? 

3. What daily habit will lead me to this goal? 

4. How will I remember to perform this daily habit?

5. What evidence do I need to believe I am this type of person?

6. Can this habit take me to my desired outcome?

What are your atomic habits for next year? Comment below and let me know!