Identity-Based Habits: Become the Person Who Has IELTS Success

Jenn Author

Summary: Your habits are your identity. Are your habits shaping your English fluency or IELTS prep for success? If not, have a read.

We’ve all heard about the power of small habits and how they can lead to big changes. I’ve shared before how making tiny improvements, 1% every day can compound into remarkable success over time. But there’s something even more powerful that these small habits do—they shape your identity. And once your identity changes, long-term success follows naturally.

When it comes to mastering English or achieving your desired IELTS score, the secret isn’t just about working harder or setting bigger goals. It’s about becoming the type of person who naturally engages with English every day. Your habits are the bridge between who you are now and the fluent English speaker you aspire to be.

The Three Layers of Behavioral Change

When we think about changing our behavior—whether it’s learning a language or trying to lose weight—we usually start by focusing on what we want to achieve. In other words, we set goals based on outcomes. But outcomes are just the surface level of change. There are deeper layers that matter even more: process and identity.

Let’s break these three layers down:

Outcomes: This is the level where most goals are set. It’s the result you want, like “I want a Band 8 on the IELTS” or “I want to speak English fluently.”

Process: This is where habits come into play. It’s about the actions you take to achieve the outcome, such as setting up a study routine, practicing speaking, or listening to English daily.

Identity: This is the deepest layer and the most important. It’s who you believe you are. This layer shapes your behavior, habits, and how consistently you follow through on your actions. For example, do you believe you’re someone who speaks English well, or do you think of yourself as someone who struggles with the language?

Most people start with the outcome layer, thinking that once they achieve their goal, everything will fall into place. But true, lasting change happens when you start at the identity level. It’s not just about “I want to get better at English.” It’s about “I am a person who speaks English confidently.” When you shift your identity, the outcome naturally follows.

Why Identity Matters for Learning English or Preparing for the IELTS Exam

Let’s take a look at the example of someone trying to quit smoking. There’s a big difference between saying, “I’m trying to quit smoking” and saying, “I don’t smoke.” The first statement reflects someone who still identifies as a smoker and is struggling to quit. The second statement comes from a person who has shifted their identity—they no longer see themselves as a smoker.

The same principle applies to learning English and preparing for the IELTS. If you say, “I’m trying to get better at English,” you’re still holding onto the belief that English is something you struggle with. But if you say, “I’m someone who speaks English well,” you’re aligning your identity with the behavior you want to reinforce.

When you view yourself as a proficient English speaker, the actions that follow—practicing regularly, reading, speaking, and listening to English—become a natural part of who you are. You’re no longer forcing yourself to study for the IELTS or improve your language skills. Instead, you’re simply being the person you believe yourself to be.

Shaping Your Identity for IELTS Success

So, how do you shift your identity to become the person who speaks English fluently? It starts with small actions that align with your desired identity. The key is to reinforce this identity with habits that compound over time.

Here are some practical steps to help you shift your identity:

1. Start small but consistent. Instead of trying to completely overhaul your study habits, focus on small actions that you can repeat daily. For example, rather than saying, “I want to get better at speaking,” start with, “I am someone who speaks English every day, even if it’s just for five minutes.”

2. Change your language. Pay attention to how you talk about yourself and your abilities. Replace “I want to get better at English” with “I am someone who speaks English well.” These subtle shifts in language reinforce your new identity and help build confidence.

3. Celebrate small wins. Every time you practice English, no matter how small, it’s a win. Celebrate these moments, as they reinforce your identity as a successful English speaker. Over time, these small wins will compound and lead to significant progress.

4. Repetition creates reality. The more often you practice a habit, the stronger your belief in that identity becomes. Each time you listen to a podcast, read an article, or speak in English, you’re reinforcing the idea that you are someone who speaks English proficiently.

Over time, your brain starts to believe this identity is true, and you’ll begin to act accordingly.

Conclusion

Long-term success in learning English, or in anything else in life, comes when your behavior aligns with your identity. It’s not enough to set goals like “I want a Band 7+ on the IELTS.” You need to start viewing yourself as someone who speaks English fluently and consistently takes actions that support that identity.

Don’t forget you are not in this alone. Check out two of my free resources to help your IELTS preparation.
Top 25 Tips for IELTS Success and 12 Common IELTS Problems & How to Avoid Them!

Looking for more guidance? Have a look at my courses here.

Are you curious and want to explore about how your habits shape your identity? Then check out James Clear’s New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits.

Categories: : IELTS, Mindset, Study Habits