The Ultimate Framework for Habit Building: Epictetus on Identity
A deep dive into Epictetus's famous quote on identity and action. Learn how to build lasting habits by changing how you view yourself.
Have you ever tried to start a new diet, learn a new language, or hit the gym, only to completely fall off the wagon three weeks later? You’re not alone. When we struggle to build habits, we usually blame a lack of willpower or motivation.
Epictetus, one of the most practical philosophers in history, recognized that the problem isn’t willpower. The problem is that we try to change our actions without changing our underlying identity.
The Quote
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
The Context: When and Why Did Epictetus Say This?
To truly understand the power of this quote, we have to look at Epictetus’s teaching style. He wasn’t interested in abstract philosophical debates; he wanted to teach his students how to live a good, disciplined life.
In his Discourses, he noticed that his students would often fail to live up to their own standards because they were just going through the motions. He was trying to convey that true transformation happens from the inside out. It wasn’t just a fleeting thought; it was the foundation of his entire curriculum. You cannot act like a philosopher until you decide, at your core, that you are a philosopher.
What This Quote Actually Means for You
At first glance, it might sound like “fake it till you make it,” but let’s break it down. When Epictetus says “First say to yourself what you would be,” he is talking about identity-based habit building. He is actually giving you the exact same framework popularized two millennia later in the book Atomic Habits.
If you say “I’m trying to quit smoking,” you still identify as a smoker who is currently resisting a cigarette. It takes immense willpower. If you say “I am not a smoker,” you have changed your identity. The action (not smoking) naturally follows the identity.
Here is how you can apply this to your own life:
- Define the Identity: Stop setting goals like “I want to lose 10 pounds.” Set an identity: “I am the type of person who never misses a workout.”
- Cast Votes for the New You: Every time you take an action, you are casting a vote for your identity. A 10-minute walk is a vote for “I am a healthy person.” You don’t need a unanimous vote to win an election; you just need a majority.
- Do What You Have to Do: Once the identity is set, the choices become obvious. Ask yourself: “What would a healthy person do right now?” The answer is usually clear.
Recommended Reading
If this quote resonated with you, I highly recommend reading these books on how to leverage your identity to build bulletproof discipline.
Atomic Habits
James Clear's global bestseller is essentially a modern, scientific expansion of Epictetus's quote. The ultimate guide to identity-based habits.
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Discourses and Selected Writings
Read Epictetus's original lectures. A no-nonsense, practical guide to developing ironclad self-discipline and mental toughness.
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Did this quote change your perspective? Share it with a friend who is working on a new goal this month!