Humans tend to stay consistent with how they define themselves. If we say “I'm shy” or “I'm conservative” so I can't do xyz then we are telling ourselves a story over and over again until it's true. Behaviors that do not align with the identity are hard to perform consistently.

Our identity (how we see and define ourselves) defines the scope of our behaviors which then serve as proof of the identity creating a reinforcing loop.

Connections

• Perception depends upon our interpretation of sensory experience.
• Environmental factors also shape identity Environmental factors play a key role in modulating gene expression (epigenetics).

To change you must change identity to then change behavior.

The ability to control your behavior is foundational for happiness.

3. Learned Happiness: Knowing to Doing & Theory to Practice