Better Than Before: What I Learned About Making and Breaking Habits--to Sleep More, Quit Sugar, Procrastinate Less, and Generally Build a Happier Life

by Gretchen Rubin

From what I’ve observed, the Strategy of Identity is particularly helpful for Rebels. Rebels generally have a tough time accepting the constraints imposed by habits, but because they place great value on being true to themselves, they embrace a habit if they view it as an aspect of their identity.

For a Rebel, it's not helpful to think "I should read more," "My book group expects me to read this book," "Someone gave me this book, I should read it," "I need to set a good example." Nope. For Rebels (and sometimes for all of us) it's helpful to think about identity. "I read because I'm a reader. The social media and TV companies try to hijack my attention, but they can't control me. I decide how I spend my time and attention. Everyone around me knows what I value, because they see it in my actions. You think I can't read 100 books in a year? Watch me!"