Maybe you have tried to achieve specific goals in your life so that you can be, do, and have more. You know you have more potential and want to maximize it, but sometimes feel stuck. You’re not alone. Most people struggle to make any significant transformation in their lives because they try to change the outside world without changing the inside. So what’s the missing piece? It’s identity shifting.
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Identity Shifting
What exactly do I mean by that? I mean, for example, you want to change something in your life such as your relationships, business, career, health and fitness, or income. (External Factors).
However, it's your identity, beliefs, and self-image that have gotten you to where you are today. (internal factors).
Identity shifting focuses on changing who you are at the core first rather than trying to force yourself to achieve goals that feel impossible.
We will always act in accordance with how we truly see ourselves. As a result, many people fail to make a lasting change as they are focused on trying to force physical world results without making the necessary internal shifts. And this is important because you can try things for a short time, but eventually, you’ll slip back into your old habits if you don’t make those internal shifts.
How do I change my internal identity?
You might be thinking, how do I do that? Fortunately, there are several approaches you can take, and I'll go over some of them now.
Step 1: Create your new identity
The first step in shifting your identity and changing your self-image is to write down exactly who you want to be.
Think in the present tense about your emotions, how you carry yourself daily, the types of things you do, your personality traits, energy, posture, and get specific about who you want to become.
If you don't know where to begin, consider people you admire, who you look up to and who inspire you. And these can be in various areas of life. Perhaps there is someone for health and fitness, another for relationships, and yet another for business. Find people you admire and write down the specifics of what it is about them that you admire; be very clear on this.
Step 2: Visualization
Once you've written it down, you should begin visualizing it every day. Then, spend five to ten minutes, once or twice a day, preferably first thing in the morning and last thing at night, when you’re in a more relaxed brainwave state.
Doing so will make it easier for it to enter the subconscious mind. Start visualizing it and picture what your ideal day would look like. Become emotionally involved as if it were happening right now.
Step 3: Environment
Once the internal work is underway as we’ve just discussed, it’s time to enhance the progress by changing your environment.
You want to start surrounding yourself with these people, looking for people who are already where you are. Seek friend groups, mentors, and coaches who can help you elevate your game. You want to raise your vibration, increase your energy, and be on a different frequency.
Step 4: Repetition
The power of repetition is the key to making all of this work. As Bob Proctor taught me many years ago, repetition is the mother of all skills. The power of repetition and listening to or reading something over and over again will embed it into your subconscious.
It will reprogram who you are, and you will begin to install these new beliefs, paradigms, and patterns to become a different person.
What changes your identity?
Your identity usually changes in one of three possible ways.
- A life-changing event
- A figure of influence sharing a strong message (teacher, doctor, parent)
- Conscious choice
Several years ago, I was struggling in many aspects of life.
I was working a completely unsatisfying job, I didn't like who I was, I was insecure, I was shy, I wasn't making much money, and I lacked direction and purpose in my life.
The compounding effect of these pains eventually led me to the realization that I needed to change.
I began to write down in detail, the type of person I wished to become. Part of this process involved daily visualization, changing my physical environment, and began to surround myself with people who I wanted to be like.
My transformation with identity shifting
There were many mindset shifts that I had to make in order to change my life. I went from being a shy and insecure person to becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur and coach. My relationships, health and fitness, and overall quality of life all improved. And it all started with a shift in my identity.
Does this mean I am living my absolute dream life? Nope. On the journey of growth, there will always be new obstacles, challenges, and milestones that you want to move towards. That's the joy of personal growth.
Read: This is How I Quit My Dead-End Job to Create a New Life
Conclusion
It is important to note that changing your identity does not happen overnight. It requires time and effort. However, the more you write it down, visualize it, and surround yourself with the right people, the more you'll notice changes in yourself. The key is to persevere and not give up. Continue to push yourself and repeat the process until it becomes a habit.
So, whether you want to improve your relationships, your business, your career, or your health and fitness, remember that it all starts with shifting your identity. Change who you are at your core, and the rest will fall into place. Write down who you want to be, visualize it, change your surroundings, and use repetition to reprogram your subconscious mind. With this approach, you will be able to achieve your goals and reach your full potential.