Identity-Based Habits: Becoming Before Achieving

Goals give direction; identity provides foundation. Clear emphasizes in Atomic Habits that “you do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.”

Instead of obsessing over funding rounds or user metrics, ask yourself: Who do I need to become to achieve these milestones?

• Shift from “I want to raise €1M” to “I’m a founder who communicates clearly, builds trust, and executes consistently.”
• Change from “I want more users” to “I’m the kind of entrepreneur who listens deeply and solves real problems.”

Strategic Systems Over Short-term Hustle

Clear argues convincingly that consistent, repeatable systems drive long-term results. A system might mean:

• Daily morning routines (brief meditation, review key objectives)
• Weekly investor communications
• Scheduled offline strategy sessions monthly

At Club GLOBALS, founders who established these kinds of rituals consistently achieved better long-term outcomes compared to those relying solely on hustle and motivation.

Presence and Quality Rest as Productivity Tools

Mahatma Gandhi wisely said: “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

Live in the moment. Presence it’s a productivity edge.

“When you’re aware of your environment and behavior, you gain control over your habits.” – Atomic Habits, James Clear

Clear explains how moments of presence (brief pauses to reflect or breathe) trigger more intentional decision-making and stronger behavior loops. You don’t just react; you respond with clarity.

Presence enables productivity because it activates strategic thinking, not just fast execution. When you’re truly in the moment, you notice details, avoid distractions, and act deliberately. It’s where innovation often emerges.

So, what does presence look like for entrepreneurs?

• Practicing mindfulness daily

• Building buffer zones between meetings

• Scheduling tech-free hours to reset your nervous system

• Taking short walks or five-minute silent resets between tasks

Presence is active focus, it’s sharpening the blade before the next cut. It’s less about stopping and more about choosing your next move wisely.

But it’s more difficult to be present if you don’t have quality rest. As Marc Reklau reminds us in 30 Days – Change Your Habits, Change Your Life, slowing down is essential for clarity, recovery, and sustainable performance.

Prioritize Self-Care Strategically

Your personal health is your startup’s best asset. Neglecting self-care often precedes burnout, poor decisions, and lost productivity. Clear and Reklau both emphasize that taking care of yourself is foundational to success:

• Prioritize adequate sleep
• Integrate daily movement and nutrition
• Schedule regular mental breaks

As Reklau underscores: Discipline in self-care dramatically enhances your willpower, decision-making, and leadership qualities.

Invest in Quality Time: Family and Meaningful Connections

James Clear notes that habits define our lives beyond business success. Reklau emphasizes the habit of presence by spending intentional, quality time with those you love:

• Plan weekly screen-free family or social activities
• Create rituals around meals or weekend routines
• Ensure meaningful conversations with partners and family regularly

“Happiness is not a goal; it’s a habit,” Marc Reklau wisely advises.

Action Today, Not Tomorrow

The greatest threat to positive change is procrastination. As Club GLOBALS members consistently realize, real growth starts the moment you commit.

• Choose one habit today that aligns with your long-term identity
• Start immediately, however small the action

“Start today. Stop pushing things forward.” – Club GLOBALS insight