What is Self-Image, and why it's so important?

My close friend recently asked me how do I work out every day? How did I develop such consistency?

I took some time to think about how I make habits stick in general and what helps me wake up every morning and work out. I guess I've finally found an answer.

The answer is Self-image.
It is all about how we perceive ourselves. What kind of person do we think we are, and what do we believe others think about us.

It all comes down to 1 simple idea. You do what you think you're supposed to do as a person from your self-image. For example, if you think you are a shy person, it's unlikely that you'll start a conversation with a stranger in the bar.

I know. It may sound ridiculous. Like another useless mantra from an amazon bestseller self-help book. But it works.

So, in my case, my self-image tells me that I am a sportsman (as I've been professionally playing tennis for 11 straight years.) So I do what I'm supposed to do. I don't need any motivation or discipline to keep it going. Somebody may call it a habit. Maybe.

I also consider myself a consistent and responsible person who keeps his word and likes to build new habits, to try something new.
- It helps me to do everything before the deadlines. Of course, if they are adequate.
- Plans work as a promise to myself to do something. So, I do it.
- I like taking up new challenges. Meditation for a month or solving a couple of problems on Leetcode every day (yet to come).

Of course, there is also a negative part of my Self-Image.
Back then, when I was playing tennis, I thought I have a terrible backhand. So, my backhand was magically disappearing during the tournaments.
I still think that I'm a bit shy and not-talkative person. And if I don't have a strong reason to talk to some stranger, I won't.
And never ask me to solve some Physics problem. I'm the worst at it.

Self-image forms unconsciously from our past experiences, successes, and failures. And there is a way to change it. It takes a lot of time and effort, but it is the easiest way to alter your behavior, not for a month or a year (wasting all your willpower), but for as long as it is consistent with your self-image. If you're interested in it, read this article on Medium.