The Power of 100: How going all-in can tap into your identity creation superpower

 

As humans we are imbued with the power of free will. This definitely gives us an edge over our less self-determined fellow Earthlings, but as you might have noticed, it can be a double-edged sword. In our world of ever-expanding choices, with so many interests vying for our attention practically every minute of the day, it's not surprising that we can easily fall prey to decision fatigue. To me, this is that place where we've just run low on willpower and the energy to discern and we begin to just give in to the easiest, most convenient option because, frankly, we just have no more shits to give.

So, is there some default position we can adopt in at least some areas of our lives that can help us preserve that limited resource of willpower, and stand firmer in our resolve to take care of ourselves and create the positive and healthy lives we want? Yes. The answer to this ages- old question is not 42 (apologies to all you Hitchhiker's Guide fans), but 100.

The power of going 100 percent

By 100, I mean making a decision that some things in your life are no longer decisions. You simply adopt the identity of someone who 100% does or does not do some things. You already do this in so many parts of your life. For example, most of us are people who have decided to 100% look both ways before crossing a busy road. We 100% do brush our teeth 2 or more times a day. We 100% do not drink drain cleaner. You get the idea.

So now you may be thinking, "Yes, but Claudia those things are easy because to do or not do them effects our ability to survive or avoid HUGE dentistry bills, etc. It's not as easy with other things." Indeed it may seem less obviously advantageous to say, go 100% on being someone who does exercise every day, or to 100% not eat after 7pm, or 100% go to bed every night by 10pm. That sounds too restrictive. We want the freedom to choose those things for ourselves according to our preferences, which can change from day to day, season to season and age to age. This is where the power of 100 goes counter-intuitive.

Fewer decisions = greater freedom

Believe it or not, making some 100% decisions in your life is one of the keys to greater freedom and a more positive, affirmative life. Why? Well, for one it requires less brain energy to make all those small decisions each day - they're already made by your identity. So there's no need to stand on the side of the road, metaphorically, and debate with yourself whether to cross with a truck coming or not. You simple do the best thing for you; your feet stay planted until that tractor trailer rumbles past then you step out. No agonizing consideration, just automatic right action. Brilliant, right?

The second benefit of these 100% identity decisions, is that they also provide you with possibly dozens of small built-in "wins" every day. I mean, getting to the other side of the busy road in alive and well could be thought of as a win, right? I suggest it's the same with exercise, meditation or getting adequate sleep each night. If these things become non-negotiables for you, then you not only save yourself the willpower draining debate, but you can celebrate them as a basketful of little victories throughout the day that you get for free, just for being a person who has decide that they do those things. 

Go 100% then grow into your new identity

I hope I've piqued your interest by now, and you're starting to see the potential power of this simple life hack. If you're still not convinced, I have one more aspect of this technique to share that may break through that remaining wall of resistance. It is this: Going 100% does not mean you have to go huge. For example, if you've decided that you are now someone who 100% drinks water every day, you do not have to start out drinking 4 liters a day. You can start by drinking 3, eight ounce glasses every day, and you're still 100%. You still win. Likewise, deciding that you're someone who 100% exercises every day, might begin with doing 5 push-ups every morning. Hey, that's exercising - you win! 100%.

As you get more comfortable with your new identity(s), you can and most likely will, grow them. As James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits teaches, by adopting the identity of a person who has the habits we want to practice, and then making it easy to be that person, our ownership of that new identity solidifies and we're likely to build on it with more positive actions that are in line with our new, higher standards.

Your life reflects what you consistently do

When trying to live a more healthy, positive life consistency is key. Making just a few 100% decisions today, and becoming the person who does those things, will undoubtedly uplevel your life in ways you're not even expecting now. Give it a shot this week and let me know in the comments how it's going. If this post resonated with you, please like and share it with friends and loved ones.  I'll see you next time.

Peace, 

Claudia