Identity

Identity

How do people identify themselves? They say “I am”. “I am so and so. I am David. I am Jessica. I am a nurse. I am a carpetener. I am a musician. I am a surfer”. We choose our identities. We choose who we want to be or who we want to become. Because it is through identities that we develop a belief system. It goes like this; Identity - Beliefs - Habits - Outcome.

If someone says they are a nurse, you can automatically paint a picture of what qualities a nurse would possess: caring, compassionate, selfless, sweet, etc.. So when we choose our identities of who we are/ or would like to become, we are really choosing a belief system that forms an identity.

So you want to be healthy? Great! Now narrow that down to an identity you can align yourself with. For example, what kind of person do you think of .. when you think of someone that is healthy? Athletes, bodybuilders, runners, swimmers, dancers etc.. So pick an identity similar to one such as those … that align with you and your goals. Let’s say you pick being a runner, now what would someone that runs be like? Great question! Someone that runs, would probably create a running plan for themselves and stick to it. Someone that runs would probably know they need to fuel themselves with nutritious food to sustain the energy and recovery of running. Someone that runs probably doesn’t smoke or engage in activities that would be determintal to their cardio performance. You see, when you pick an identity, you acquire all the beliefs that go along with that identity as well. And beliefs are formed by practicing good habits. So now, not only do you have an identity, but you have good habits that you believe will help you reach your desired outcome.