"Identity-Based Habits: How to Actually Stick to Your Goals This Year"

"Identity-Based Habits: How to Actually Stick to Your Goals This Year"

In order to believe in a new identity, we have to prove it to ourselves. The key to building lasting habits is focusing on creating a new identity first. Your current behaviors are simply a reflection of your current identity. What you do now is a mirror image of the type of person you believe that you are (either consciously or subconsciously). To change your behavior for good, you need to start believing new things about yourself.

There are three layers of behavior change: a change in your outcomes, a change in your processes, or a change in your identity. Outcomes are about what you get. Processes are about what you do. Identity is about what you believe. Many people begin the process of changing their habits by focusing on what they want to achieve. This leads us to outcome-based habits.

Ask yourself, “Who is the type of person that could get the outcome I want?” Changing your beliefs isn’t nearly as hard as you might think. There are two steps. First, decide the type of person you want to be. Second, prove it to yourself with small wins. When you want to become better at something, proving your identity to yourself is far more important than getting amazing results.

You can't rely on being motivated. You have to become the type of person you want to be, and that starts with proving your new identity to yourself. If you're looking to make a change, then I say stop worrying about results and start worrying about your identity.

"Is Y Combinator worth the money (equity)? Brutally honest review of W22 batch experience"

Due to the fact that the entire program was remote, the founders were at different stages, and there was no dependency on each other in any way, no relationship or sense of community was formed. Additionally, with 400 companies in the batch, it became difficult to sell even within the batch, as other members were already overloaded with unique offers from other YC companies. YC does not have any industrial partners, and YC partners themselves will not do external introductions to clients/investors for you.

However, months after the program, founders still find answers to their questions and the YC network continues to be a useful and ground-breaking resource. The main value of YC is generated through Demo Day, where YC companies receive extra attention from investors and the pre-selection by YC makes the deal hotter and increases its valuation. However, as the number of companies in the batch increases, the dilution of the YC brand works against it and the valuations of YC startups do not go very far from the valuations of outside companies.

The true benefits of YC come in the form of publicity, more inbound from small funds, more opportunities to find an introduction to anyone, and never having to write cold emails again. However, it is important to note that big players may not reach out to you after Demo Day if they haven't already, indicating a lack of interest.

In my subjective opinion, it makes sense to join YC if you are a super young team of 2-3 people with a crazy idea but without experience and resources, and you want someone to give you a kick and help build up the moment. It also makes sense if you sell your product to startups and see a lot of benefits from gaining access to the YC network.

Remember, accelerators and their help are temporary, but the equity you give away is forever. YC teaches one thing well—startups are all about growth, and if you didn’t grow today, it’s on you to find out how to grow tomorrow.

In conclusion, whether you're trying to stick to your goals or considering joining an accelerator like Y Combinator, there are actionable advice that can help you navigate these situations:

1. Focus on your identity: Instead of solely focusing on outcomes or results, concentrate on creating a new identity that aligns with your goals. Believe in the type of person you want to become and prove it to yourself through small wins.

2. Embrace the power of community: While remote programs may lack the sense of community that in-person programs offer, leverage resources like online networks and communities to find answers to your questions and gain support from like-minded individuals.

3. Evaluate the long-term benefits: Before joining an accelerator or any program that requires giving away equity, carefully consider the long-term benefits and weigh them against the potential dilution of your brand or company. Assess if the network, introductions, and opportunities provided outweigh the equity given away.

By incorporating these advice, you can enhance your chances of sticking to your goals and making informed decisions about joining accelerator programs. Remember, the key is to believe in yourself and continuously seek growth opportunities.