Identity shifting 101: Change your identity, change your life
If you have been in the self-development community for a while then you’ve probably come across the term “Identity shifting” at one point but you have no idea what it is. Or maybe you are a newbie and have fallen into the manifestation rabbit hole. Either way, consider this blog as your ultimate guide to identity shifting. It will cover
- What is identity shifting?
- How are identities formed?
- What impact does identity have on our lives?
- Why you need to change your identity to achieve your goals
- 7 tips on how to go about it
Now without further ado, let’s get to it.
What is identity shifting?
Identity shifting is the process of changing your self-concept, beliefs, and perceptions. It means reinventing yourself and intentionally becoming the person you want to be.
How are identities formed?
No matter how old you are, most of your identity stems from your childhood. It comes from the experiences you had as a kid, the stories you were told, and the beliefs you were taught.
"Each experience in life modifies your self-image."
If you struggled with speaking up in class then you started believing that you are bad at public speaking and identify yourself as such.
If you were told you were “fat” or “skinny” as a kid then you probably still label yourself as such to this day.
What impact does identity have on our lives?
Depending on the identity we have, it can either serve us or go against us. Our identities make up who we are, what our habits are, what opportunities we go for, and overall, how we move through life.
They can help us progress or make us be stuck in the same place.
Why do you need to change your identity to achieve your goals?
In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear says that if you don’t shift your underlying identity, it’s hard to stick with long-term changes.
If you identify as someone who goes to the gym, then it won’t be hard to go to the gym.
If you identify as someone who struggles with math then it will be hard to learn math.
Our identities determine our beliefs and until you change certain beliefs, you will not be able to achieve your goals.
7 tips on how to get started
Self-Reflection
Begin by doing some inner reflection and take some time to journal about who you are right now. Write everything down on a piece of paper. Some questions you can ask yourself are:
- What are my current beliefs?
- What stories do I tell myself?
- Where do these beliefs come from?
- In what ways is my identity holding me back?
- What do I need to change?
This step is very important so be brutally honest with yourself. Remember that your current identity is what’s shaping your current life so if you want your life to change, you need to change.
Set clear intentions
Take another piece of paper and write down everything that you want to be. Go all out and just write down what you envision yourself to be in the next week, month, year, and decade. Ask yourself questions like;
- What are my habits?
- How do I spend my time?
- What are my beliefs?
- How do I present myself?
When you have this down, take the paper from step 1 and compare. What gaps do you need to fill? Perhaps you said one of your habits is reading before bed, but you haven’t picked up a book in years. That needs to change.
Use the answers from this exercise to set clear goals and intentions.
Develop new habits that are in alignment with your desired self
Now for the fun part, setting new habits. Our habits make up a large part of our identities, so we need to have habits that are in alignment with our future selves.
Small consistent actions are key when it comes to changing our identity.
As James Clear says, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
It’s pretty straightforward. Do you want to become a morning person? Make it a habit to wake up early. Do you want to be a straight-A student? Make it a habit to study often.
Have a growth mindset
This journey won’t be easy. You are changing yourself at your core and you will be met with resistance. From your family, your friends, and especially yourself.
Accept the fact that there will be challenges and have the mindset of someone who embraces them. Find opportunities to grow in setbacks.
Visualization & affirmations
Visualization is one of the most powerful tools you have throughout this process.
As often as you can, take the time to visualize your future self. This will motivate you to keep going even when the results are taking time. It will remind you of what you are capable of if you just keep going.
Use positive affirmations to reinforce your new beliefs. Say them out loud in front of the mirror every morning and night.
Say your name at the beginning of the affirmations to make it stick to your subconscious. Ex. My name is Michelle, and I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
Find your community
Surround yourself with people who share the same beliefs and habits as you.
Identities give us a sense of belonging and when you are around people like you, it’s easier to stick to the habits and beliefs you are building.
If you are working on being a runner, join a run club. If you want to start reading more, join a book club.
Go online and follow people who motivate you in the area that you are working to improve.
Be patient
This is really really important. You have to be patient, identity shifting takes time, and it will not happen overnight.
It’s a process that will be full of wins and losses, joys and tears, making new friends and losing others.
You need to make it more about the journey than the finish line. Have fun and celebrate yourself for doing this and the results will take care of themselves.
Final thoughts
Identity shifting is fun and life-changing but remember that it’s not abandoning yourself entirely. It’s about changing the parts of you that hold you back. You don’t have to change every little thing about yourself (unless you need to), otherwise you’ll come out of this feeling lost and not knowing who you are. Accept and love yourself as you are now, and work towards your dream life.
Until next time
xo xo
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