We've covered the science of habit formation. But in the real world, there is often a difference between theory and practice.

Whenever I write, I do my best to not merely share ideas backed by science, but also to highlight real-world lessons that make it easier for you to put those ideas into practice.

This is especially important when it comes to building better habits. We all want to become better people - stronger and healthier, more creative and more skilled, a better friend or family member. But even if we get really inspired and start doing things better, it's tough to actually stick to new behaviors. It's more likely that this time next year you'll be doing the same thing than performing a new habit with ease.

Luckily, you can use a strategy that I call "identity-based habits" to make change easier and stick to your goals over the long-term.

Here's how it works...

What Remembering Names Can Teach You About Habits

My girlfriend is great at remembering people's names.

Recently, she told me a story that happened when she was in high school. She went to a large high school and it was the first day of class. Many of the students had never met before that day. The teacher went around the room and asked each person to introduce themselves. At the end, the teacher asked if anyone could remember everyone's name.

My girlfriend raised her hand and proceeded to go around the room and accurately name all 30 or so people. The rest of the room was stunned. The guy next to her looked over and said, "I couldn't even remember your name."

She said that moment was an affirming experience for her. After that happened she felt like, "I'm the type of person who is good at remembering people's names."

Even today, she is great at remembering the names of anyone we come across.

Here's what I learned from that story: In order to believe in a new identity, we have to prove it to ourselves.