How do you identify yourself?
(Don’t worry. I’m not treading on dangerous ground with a potentially controversial topic).
Over the years you’ve probably developed an identity for yourself. It’s not something you say out loud or share with others. It’s how you see yourself. It might go something like this:
“I can’t run a half marathon.”
“I can’t save money.”
“I always procrastinate.”
We’ve taken a lifetime of negative thoughts and emotions and turned them into the totality of who we are. We’ve decided we might as well own our self-imposed identity and accept it. We might switch from one negative identity to another depending on the circumstance.
If this is you, all I can say is, “Stop it! Knock it off!”
You already assigned yourself an identity once. Why not do it again. This time, pick an identity that aligns with your goals and values. Then be that person.
This may also sound naïve, but science backs up this approach of intentional transformation.
In his book, Be Your Future Self Now, organizational psychologist Dr. Benjamin Hardy explains how identifying who and what you want to be in the future can have an impact on who you are today.
Simply ask yourself, “What would a runner do?” As you unpack the kind of diet, exercise, and recovery routines they would have, start doing those things.
You’re not trying to change who you are—you’re just living the way your new identity would live.
It’s a simple concept but which is why it’s so easy to assume it won’t work. But the more we assume the role of our new identity, the more comfortable we become.
Don’t take my word for it. Read Dr. Hardy’s book in hardback, paperback, and on Kindle. His books are great, and I always learn so much from them. (Please note: the links above are affiliate links, which will generate a small commission for me at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support).
Remember, you get to choose who you become. So, choose an identity that reflects your values and leads you toward the future you truly want. Start today—your future self is waiting.