Use identity pacts

Adopt the self-image of an “indistractable” person so focus becomes who you are.

Why it works

Tying a behavior to identity makes it self-reinforcing: once you see yourself as the kind of person who is indistractable, acting otherwise costs self-consistency, a strong internal motivator. Adopting and using the label shifts the question from "can I resist this?" to "what would someone like me do?", which is a more durable basis for action than moment-to-moment willpower.

How to do it

1. Adopt the label out loud: describe yourself as someone who is indistractable.
2. Make choices by asking what a person with that identity would do, not by debating each urge.
3. Recruit the identity in conversation and writing so it becomes part of how you and others see you.

Evidence

Consistent with self-concept and self-consistency research, and with findings that identity-based framing ("be a voter") can outperform behavior-based framing. The "identity pact" is Eyal’s application of that to focus. (observational)

Identity framing can also breed shame when you slip; use it to build a self-image, not to punish lapses.

Sources

• Bryan et al. (2011), noun vs verb framing increased voter turnout, PNAS

Common mistake

Treating the identity as a one-time affirmation rather than living it out in real choices, so the label never gets the behavioral evidence that makes it real.