"La manière la plus pratique de changer qui vous êtes est de changer ce que vous faites."

Changing who you are starts with changing what you do. Sounds simple, doesn't it? But let's unpack that a bit. It means that your identity, or how you see yourself, is deeply tied to your actions. If you want to become a more patient person, for example, you need to start practicing patience in your everyday life. It's about the small, consistent actions you take that shape your character over time.

Think back to the early 20th century. William James, a philosopher and psychologist, had this idea that our habits shape our identity. Back then, this was a pretty revolutionary thought. People were starting to realize that they had more control over their destinies than they previously thought. This concept became a cornerstone in psychology and self-improvement that still resonates today.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Imagine Jane, a woman who always wanted to be a writer. For years, she dreamed about writing a novel, but she never seemed to get started. One day, she decided to change her routine. Every morning, she'd wake up an hour earlier and write just 500 words. It wasn’t much at first, but those 500 words added up. Over months, then years, she not only completed her novel but also started seeing herself as a writer. By changing her daily actions, Jane changed her identity.

So how can you apply this to your life? Start with something small. Want to be healthier? Instead of immediately overhauling your entire diet, start by drinking more water each day or adding a 10-minute walk to your routine. These small, manageable changes are more sustainable and will gradually shift your habits and self-perception. It’s all about consistency and patience.

Imagine you're trying to become more organized. You could start by setting aside five minutes each night to plan the next day. At first, it might seem inconsequential. But do it consistently, and you'll start noticing a change. You’ll feel more in control and less stressed. Over time, this small habit will lead to a more organized life, and you'll start to see yourself as an organized person.

And here's a story to drive the point home. Picture this: Mark, a college student, always struggled with procrastination. He wanted to be someone who gets things done on time but often found himself cramming the night before exams. After hitting rock bottom during finals, he decided to make a change. He started by dedicating just 15 minutes each day to studying. It wasn't much, but it was manageable. Over time, those 15 minutes turned into 30, then an hour. Mark found himself not only getting better grades but also feeling proud of his new work ethic. By changing his daily actions, he changed his identity from a procrastinator to a diligent student.

So, next time you want to change something about yourself, remember—start small. Consistent actions lead to meaningful change. Just think about what you want to become, and then start doing the things that kind of person would do. It’s not instant, but it’s real. And before you know it, you'll see the change in yourself you’ve always wanted.