If you want to change something in your life, stop labeling yourself with a label that perpetuates the cycle you’re trying to break.  Stop thoughts such as  “I’m a procrastinator”, “I’m a perfectionist”, “I’m not a morning person”.

Acknowledging habits or preferences that aren’t serving us is a really important first step in change. But be wary of labeling yourself; this will just perpetuate your self-fulfilling prophecy. Self-identified procrastinators procrastinate. Self-identified perfectionists seek perfection. “Not a morning person” people dread mornings.

Instead, reword the issue as an action you do and not as your identity. And then, tack on the word “historically” (the magical one word) to the front of your thought, “Historically, I tend to procrastinate.” “Historically, I like things to be perfect.” “Historically, I have a hard time in the morning.”

This separates your actions from your identity and signals to your brain that change is possible.