Identity vs Behavior

The contrast between identity and behavior is a nuanced topic discussed by various experts, highlighting the profound influence of personal identity on one's behavior.

1. Identity Drives Behavior:

   • Ed Mylett shares a compelling metaphor where identity functions as a thermostat. Despite external conditions, your life will adjust to match your internal "temperature," which is set by your identity. He suggests that changing your identity can drastically shift your external reality, often achieved through association with others and short bursts of new activities 1.

2. Agency and Identity:

   • On the Machine Learning Street Talk (MLST), Daniel Cahn and Tim Scarfe discuss the interplay of personal identity and agency. They note that identity is both physical and social, influenced by how others perceive us through social interactions (like on Twitter), which can impact our behavior. This highlights the complexity of identifying which 'version' of ourselves is responsible for certain actions 2.

3. Identity and Personality:

   • Benjamin Hardy differentiates between identity and personality. He argues that identity is foundational and shapes behavior, which over time forms one's personality. For Hardy, identity is a narrative driven by future goals, and changing one's identity can alter behavior and, ultimately, personality 3.
     
     1
     The Power of Identity
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     2
     Identity and Agency
     01:08:32
     
     3
     Identity and Personality
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     4
     Identity and Habits
     00:24:44
     
     5
     Personal Play Identity
     01:32:52

4. Behavior Change Through Identity:

   • James Clear asserts that true behavior change stems from identity transformation. When people start to see themselves in new ways (e.g., "I'm a runner"), their behaviors naturally align with this new identity. Clear suggests that small, consistent behaviors can reinforce this identity, making long-term change more sustainable 4.

5. Personal Play Identity:

   • Andrew Huberman introduces the concept of "personal play identity," which affects how we see ourselves in different contexts, including play. This identity is shaped by our personality, socio-cultural environment, and experiences, influencing our behavior from childhood into adulthood 5.

Understanding that identity influences behavior allows for targeted strategies to alter one's identity, thereby changing behaviors in a lasting and meaningful way.