When I chose Identity as my word of the year, I wasn’t just picking a theme—I was making a declaration. I knew that the person I am today, with my current habits, mindset, and routines, will not get me to where I want to be. If I really want to reach my biggest goals, I can’t just change what I do—I have to change who I am.
So exactly what is identity? At its core, identity is the set of beliefs, habits, and characteristics that define who you are. Identity is not just your name or what you have done or accomplished in your past. Identity is how you view the world, think about things and the daily actions you take, or don’t take, that create your current reality.
Your identity determines:
How you see yourself
The decisions you make
The habits you maintain
What you believe is possible for you
Most people try to change their lives by setting goals—losing weight, making more money, finding happiness—but they never shift their identity - their beliefs, habits and actions - to align with the individuals who naturally achieve those things.
Oftentimes the current version of ourselves—with our bad habits, limiting beliefs, and comfort-zone routines—cannot create the future we want.
For example:
The person who skips workouts won’t build a strong, healthy body.
The person who procrastinates won’t create a successful business.
The person who doubts herself won’t step into confidence and abundance.
If we don’t change our identities, we’ll stay stuck. We’ll continue to do, or not do, the same things and yet somehow expect for it to create a different outcome. However, the key isn’t only doing things differently—it’s becoming someone different. Instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” focus on becoming the kind of person who naturally creates success.
Instead of hoping for results, step into the identity of the person who already has them. What do they do? How do they think?
Steps for Changing Your Identity
Define Who You Want to Be
Ask yourself: Who is the version of me that achieves my goals?
How does she think?
What habits does she have?
How does she handle challenges?
I’m no longer asking, What do I need to do? Instead, I’m asking, Who do I need to become?
Act as That Person Now
Your actions help shape your identity. Every time you take an action that aligns with the person you want to become, you reinforce that identity.
If you want to be healthy, you don’t just “try” to eat better—you act like someone who values her body every day.
If you want to be successful, you don’t wait for motivation—you operate with discipline and clarity, like someone who already runs a thriving business.
Small, consistent actions build proof that you are becoming the type of person that can achieve your goal.
Break Free from Old Stories
Bottom line - Your past identity does not define your future.
Just because you’ve struggled with consistency before doesn’t mean you can’t become someone who follows through.
Just because you’ve procrastinated before doesn’t mean you can’t become someone who takes bold action.
You are not stuck in who you’ve been—you have the power to rewrite your identity at any moment.
Reinforce the New Identity Daily
Shifting identity isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily commitment - a daily decision.
Every decision is a vote for the person you are becoming.
When you wake up early and move your body, you’re reinforcing your identity as someone who values health.
When you take action in your business instead of overthinking, you’re reinforcing your identity as a leader.
When you speak kindly to yourself instead of doubting, you’re reinforcing your identity as a confident person.
The life you want isn’t built by changing your goals—it’s built by changing yourself into the person who naturally achieves those goals.
And that’s why Identity is my word of the year.
Because in the end, success isn’t just about what I do—it’s about who I become.
And I’m ready to become her.
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