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Long-Term Thinking: Identity-Based Habits

Short-term goals fade. Identity lasts. Become the kind of person who lives the change.

2 min readhabitsidentitylong-term
"You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
- James Clear

The Problem With Goals Alone

Everyone sets goals:

  • “Lose 10 lbs.”
  • “Work out 4x a week.”
  • “No sugar for 30 days.”

These are fine... until life happens.

The goal loses urgency. Your kid gets sick. You miss a few workouts. Motivation fades.

Why?

Focus on Outcomes, Not Identity

Because goals focus on outcomes, not identity.

A goal says: “I want to run a marathon.”
An identity says: “I’m the kind of person who trains, even on hard days.”

Identity Is the Deep Root

Identity shapes action more consistently than motivation ever will.

How Identity Works

It works like this:

  1. Belief: “I am the kind of person who…”
  2. Action: Small daily behaviors align with that belief
  3. Evidence: Each action reinforces the identity

Over time, it becomes who you are, not something you “try to do.”

Example: The Meal Logger

Short-term goal: “Log my meals every day for 30 days.”

Great. But...

Better: Identity-Based Meal Logging

Better: “I’m the kind of person who checks in with myself through my meals.”

Now, even if you miss a day, you’re not “off-track.” You’re simply returning to your identity.

Habits That Shape Identity

The goal isn’t to be perfect.

The goal is to repeat the story you want to believe about yourself, often enough that it sticks.

Identity
Habit
I’m someone who respects my body
I go for a 15-min walk daily
I’m mindful of my energy
I log my meals honestly, without judgment
I fuel myself wisely
I build most meals with protein and plants
I handle stress with care
I pause before reacting with food
I stay grounded when progress is slowI zoom out and look at long-term trends

When You Slip

Everyone slips. You will too.

Your Compass, Not a Cage

The key is to ask:

“Is this who I am becoming?”

  • If yes, keep going.
  • If not, return gently to alignment.

Identity isn’t rigid. It’s a compass, not a cage.

How Getter Supports Identity Habits

Getter: Your Identity Mirror

Getter was designed not as a challenge, but as a mirror:

  • No streak pressure
  • No calorie obsession
  • Just tiny daily signals to say: “This is who I’m becoming.”

You’ll notice:

  • You naturally log meals without resistance
  • You check in on how you feel, not just what you ate
  • You trust patterns, not panic
In time, logging isn’t a task. It’s a reflection of your values.

This Week’s Practice

Day
Practice
Mon
Write down 1 identity you want to build: “I’m the kind of person who…”
Tues
Take one small aligned action (a 10-min walk, a mindful meal, etc.)
Wed
Reflect on 3 choices you made this week that support that identity
WeekendWhen something doesn’t go as planned, ask: “What would the future me do?”

Long-Term Thinking Is a Quiet Revolution

Rhythm, Not Hype

It’s not about hacking your way to quick wins.

It’s about living into a version of you that feels real, grounded, and durable.

You don’t need hype.

You need rhythm.

"Discipline is choosing who you want to become over and over, until it feels like home."

References

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Deljo Joseph

Deljo Joseph

Founder of Getter. Marathoner who enjoys skateboarding, cooking, and building products. Specializing in evidence-based approaches to sustainable weight management. All recommendations are backed by established guidelines from the NHS, CDC, and peer-reviewed research.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or health regimen.

Author Credentials: Written by Deljo Joseph, Founder of Getter. Certification: Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (Certificate #177819): Verify Certification|Ofqual Register

Evidence Base: All recommendations are based on established guidelines from the NHS (National Health Service), Harvard Health, and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), supported by peer-reviewed research from PubMed (National Institutes of Health).

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