The 4 Words That Could Finally Fix Your Habits, Energy, and Schedule—for Good
The 4 Words That Could Finally Fix Your Habits, Energy, and Schedule—for Good
Most pastors try to fix their schedule, their diet, or their brain fog by doing what
More.
More books.
More prayer.
More energy drinks that taste like melted cough drops.
But here’s the truth bomb:
You don’t need more hustle. You need a new lens.
And it starts with four words:
“I am someone who…”
Wait... is this from some self-help book?
Yes and no.
James Clear wrote about it in Atomic Habits.
But let’s be honest—Paul wrote about it in Romans. James just monetized it.
James Clear says:
“True behavior change is identity change.”
God says (wayyyy earlier):
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7
So, yes—identity is the engine.
And spoiler alert:
God started the engine before the self-help industry built a Prius around it.
Scripture Itself Ties Change to Identity. Alot.
Romans 6:1–14 isn’t about trying harder not to sin.
It’s Paul reminding us:
“You’re dead to that. You’ve got a new operating system.”
He bangs the drum of new identity all through Romans 6.
2 Corinthians 5:17 piles on:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
But you have to 👀 see everything 👀 through that lens.
Translation for the modern pastor: You’re not a burned-out, half-caffeinated, overbooked mess.
You’re a Spirit-empowered, margin-making, life-optimizing, ambassador of heaven.
At least… you can be.
Or as I say when I preach this:
“The me I see is the me I’ll be.”
But First... Stop Saying These Things
Seriously. These are the phrases pastors say that kill momentum faster than a 3-hour deacon’s meeting:
- “I’m just built for chaos.”
- “I don’t have time to think about meal prep.”
- “I know I should sleep more, but I’m in a busy season.” (…which started in 2013.)
Every time you say that, you're reinforcing the wrong identity.
Your words are sowing seeds—and you’re harvesting fatigue.
The Identity Shift: “I Am Someone Who…”
Let’s flip the script. Start saying this instead:
“I am someone who…”
- …leads out of overflow, not leftovers.
- …plans my workouts like I plan my sermons.
- …takes care of my body like it’s on loan from God. (Because it is.)
- …prepares for Sunday like I’m coaching the Super Bowl of souls.
This isn’t wishful thinking.
It’s biblical thinking.
It’s formation, not fiction.
The Science? It Checks Out.
James Clear cites a powerful study:
Two groups of people were trying to build an exercise habit.
One group said:
“I can’t miss a workout.”
The other said:
“I’m not the kind of person who misses workouts.”
The second group stuck with it way more often.
Why?
Because when you believe differently, you behave differently.
It’s not magic—it’s design.
God’s design.
Paul the Apostle got that.
Notice...
His letters get doctrinal first.
Then they get practical.
The what-to-believe comes before the how-to-live.
To fix behavior, you have to fix belief.
3 Steps to Reinforce the Shift
1. Choose One Identity Statement
Keep it simple. Keep it true.
Example: “I am someone who treats my body like it’s part of my calling.”
2. Attach a Tiny Habit
Don’t try to overhaul your life by Friday.
Start with:
- Do 10 bodyweight squats before your morning coffee
- Drink a full glass of water right after waking
- Get two muscle groups fatigued this week
3. Celebrate Identity, Not Perfection
You don’t have to be flawless.
You just need to be faithful.
Each action is a vote for the future you.
Ballot box closes at bedtime.
This Works Because It’s a God Principle
- Science calls it neuroplasticity.
- Paul calls it renewing your mind.
- I call it Applied Identity—stepping into who you already are in Christ and living like it’s actually true.
You change when your view of you changes.
Final Word (and maybe a gentle slap)
You’re not a productivity robot or a ministry martyr.
You’re a called, equipped, and Spirit-filled leader.
You don’t need more stuff.
You need to see differently.
"The me I see is the me I’ll be."
Let’s start seeing what God already says is true—and build habits that preach that sermon every day.
More Resources To Help You Optimize
🥤Momentum Shake: The Complete Longevity Shake for Optimal Health
🎥 Sermon Shots: Repurpose Sermons Into Clips & Other Engaging Content in Minutes
💊 My (Scott's) full supplement regimen
