---
type: "article"
title: "Act like what you want to be"
newsletter: "Jordi Villar"
newsletter_handle: "jordivillarcom"
newsletter_url: "https://usecommune.com/n/jordivillarcom"
author: "Jordi Villar (@jordi)"
published: "2026-04-15T14:11:16.659Z"
canonical_url: "https://usecommune.com/n/jordivillarcom/a/act-like-what-you-want-to-be"
markdown_url: "https://usecommune.com/n/jordivillarcom/a/act-like-what-you-want-to-be.md"
chat_url: "https://usecommune.com/n/jordivillarcom/a/act-like-what-you-want-to-be/chat"
source_url: "https://jordivillar.com/notes/act-like-what-you-want-to-be/"
body_source: "imported"
likes: 2
replies: 2
body_words: 173
---

# Act like what you want to be

Read the full article in your browser [here](https://jordivillar.com/notes/act-like-what-you-want-to-be/)

# Act like what you want to be

I used to roll my eyes at people who started a new sport and immediately bought all the gear. Day one of running and they’re already showing up with top-of-the-line shoes, a smartwatch, wireless earbuds, and the most aerodynamic outfit money could buy. What a waste, I’d think. They haven’t even proven they like this yet.

I’ve changed my mind.

Buying the gear is a statement. Not to others, to yourself. It’s how some people say: I believe I can do this, and I’m going to.

That belief is the thing. The shoes are just a way of making it happening.

Most people don’t fail at new habits because they lack discipline. They fail because they never really believed they’d follow through. Buying the gear, keeping the journal, signing up for the race… these are ways of saying: I’m a runner now. Not someday. Now.

Act like what you want to be, and you start becoming it.

***

## Discussion (2 replies)

Numbering shows the reply tree: `2.1` is a reply to `2`. Message text is reproduced verbatim as posted.

### 1. Fran Mendez (@fmvilas) - 2026-04-15T14:44:06.476Z

Yeah the old "fake it until you make it" 😄

I used to think the same. I found a sweet spot in the middle. Bought enough gear to practice the sport comfortable. Now a big part of my closet is just for the gym 😅

### 2. Joyce Stack (@joycestack) - 2026-04-16T12:44:46.843Z

If buying the shoes is a signal to yourself that this is how you live your new desired identity then buy the shoes.  

Love this insight.  

Currently, working on my identity of "I'm someone who lifts 3 x a week and does 1 x cardio / HIIT"

This identity is slightly bumping up against my "become someone who publishes regularly on her news letters" 

Sometimes we can't do all at the same time.