Definition
A habit is a routine or behavior that is performed regularly-and, in many cases, automatically.
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9
SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO CONSISTENTLY OTHER PEOPLE DO OCCASIONALLY.
Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps... Daniel 6:3 NIV
...by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Daniel 6:3 NIV
WE NATURALLY DRIFT TOWARDS COMPLACENCY, BUT WE STRATEGICALLY PLAN FOR GROWTH.
At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” Daniel 6:4-5 NIV
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 NIV
GOD CAN DO MONUMENTAL MIRACLES THROUGH ONE SMALL HABIT OF OBEDIENCE!
Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20
YOUR HABITS ARE HOW YOU EMBODY YOUR IDENTITY AND YOUR IDENTITY IS LITERALLY YOUR REPEATED BEINGNESS.
Toward the end of Paul’s life, he is writing to Timothy who is a leader that Paul has been mentoring. Paul understood that Timothy had a lot of challenges he was facing based on leading the church, facing false teachers, learning how to identify and develop elders in the church, how to have a dynamic prayer life, conduct church services, take care of widows and the elderly… The list goes on and on with the duties of Pastor. Yet Paul in his wisdom ends his letter to Timothy with this...
But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness; Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. 1 Timothy 6:11;20
For lasting success and change we have to build identity-based habits. This is what you have to get in your mind. A keystone habit is formed by who you want to be. For me, it is what type of husband, father, Pastor, and the leader I want to be. Focus on who you wish to become!
TRUE BEHAVIOR CHANGE IS IDENTITY CHANGE!
Research shows that once a person believes in a particular aspect of their identity, they are more likely to act in alignment with that belief.
ACTION STEPS
DECIDE THE TYPE OF PERSON YOU WANT TO BE.
You have to decide who you want to be. this is an individual decision this also works for your company for your family for your team. What are your principles what are your values what do you want to stand for who do you wish to become?
WHO IS THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT COULD GET THE OUTCOME I WANT?
Who is the type of disciple that has a vibrant faith? Who is the type of person you can lose 100 lb? who is the type of person that earns that type of salary? Who is the type of spouse that has a healthy marriage like that? Who's the type of person that can start that business? Who is the type of parent that has a great relationship with their kids?
PROVE IT TO YOURSELF WITH SMALL WINS
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin… Zechariah 4:10
Once you identify the person you want to be you can begin by taking small steps to reinforce that identity. I love the example James gives in his book when he talks about a friend who lost a hundred pounds and she did it by asking herself a series of questions. the questions all rooted in this what would a healthy person do? All-day long those questions would be her guide. would a healthy person walk or take a cab? would a healthy person order a burrito or salad? she figured if she acted like a healthy person long enough, eventually, she would become that person. And she was right!
YOUR HABITS SHAPE YOUR IDENTITY AND YOUR IDENTITY SHAPES YOUR HABITS.
Once you identify who you want to be you start asking yourself in small ways what actions does a person carry and then you start walking and what Paul is instructing Timothy you are a man of God and a man of God runs from evil and focuses on godliness, faith, love, perseverance!
I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6
