Your identity is your self-image. It’s the collection of beliefs and stories you tell yourself about who you are. That’s what shapes your behaviors and the way you experience your life. If you’ve ever wondered, What is identity?, think of it as the invisible script in your mind that you’re always following.

If you keep identifying as someone who is undisciplined, unconfident, or stupid, your actions will reflect that. The good thing is you can shift this internal narrative to change your life. And it begins with shifting your identity.

Beliefs are the things you repeatedly accept as true. They can be about yourself, others, or the world around you. Over time, these beliefs become your lens. Your belief systems affect the way you talk to yourself, the decisions you make, and how you interpret your experiences. That’s why negative people experience the world negatively, while the opposite is true for positive people. It’s all about the beliefs they hold that can either help or hold them back.  

And just because you believe something, doesn’t always make it true.

That’s a lesson I learned in my personal life. For a long time, I believed that in order to have a good night out, it had to involve alcohol. It felt like being a social drinker was just a part of who I was (so it was). But that belief was limiting me in my health, decision-making, and productivity. So long story short, I stopped drinking alcohol completely for the last two years. And that change started with one thing: I stopped identifying as someone who needed alcohol to enjoy life.

When I began telling myself a different story, that I’m someone who values clarity, connection, and greater self-control; everything began to change. That is the power of an identity shift.

This is why it’s so important to take small, identity-affirming actions. Every time you do something aligned with the person you want to become, you are reinforcing that identity in your brain.

So, if you want to make a change, focus less on the outcome and more on becoming the kind of person who lives that new reality. Your mindset shift begins with consistent action, not wishful thinking.

Start by identifying what beliefs might be holding you back. Ask the question: Why do I believe this? Who taught me this? Is it even true?

This kind of awareness is powerful. Most of us carry around outdated beliefs that no longer serve us. But the moment you see them clearly, you give yourself the permission to make a change.

Get clear on who you want to become. Are you someone who values health? Discipline? Creativity? Whatever it is, define that identity and start telling yourself a new story.

Your new belief should feel personal and resonate with you on an emotional level. For example, instead of saying, “I want to stop drinking”, change it to, “I am someone who thrives without alcohol”.

Take small actions that align with your new identity. This could mean saying no to a night out, waking up early to exercise, or setting a boundary at work. These small wins send a message to your brain that says “this is who I am now”.

You don’t need a total life overhaul. Just one small, consistent shift can change everything over time.

Your self-talk is crucial. What you say to yourself, even in your head, either supports or sabotages your new identity. Speak to yourself like someone you respect. Affirm your progress. This self-talk could sound like: "I am proud of the changes I’m making” or “I show up for myself every day”.

Your environment matters too. Surround yourself with people and places that align with your new identity. If you’re trying to stop drinking, maybe avoid bars and spend more time with people who support that decision. Make your new identity easier to live out by curating your surroundings to support your change.

Whether it’s drinking, smoking, procrastinating, or doubting yourself, you have the power to stop identifying with the old version of you and step into a new reality.

Change your beliefs. Shift your identity. And begin to tell yourself a better story. Then, take the necessary actions that make it true.

You’ve got this. It’s never too late to make a change in your life.