Your identity is a critical factor in your success, yet few conscious leaders truly understand how this works. Today, I’m covering why understanding your current identity is essential for your growth as a leader, and how to recognize and address parts of it that may be holding you back.
If you prefer video, I covered this topic here in “How Your Identity Creates Your Business and Leadership”
Understanding Identity in Leadership and Business
It’s important to realize that your identity operates on a subconscious level. This means it may not be fully aligned with how you consciously see yourself, but it plays a significant role in what you’re able to accomplish. If you feel stuck or as if something is holding you back from achieving your goals, there’s a good chance that your identity isn’t aligned with those goals.
The Subconscious Influence on Your Business Identity
Your identity is shaped by your beliefs, many of which are subconscious and may not support your big vision or goals. Limiting beliefs can sabotage your success, especially for women with ambitious plans. For instance, thoughts like “I’m not enough” in various forms – not smart enough, not educated enough, not a good leader – can deeply impact your leadership capabilities and business success.
Consider the belief, “I’m not really a leader.” Consciously, you might convince yourself otherwise, but if subconsciously you hold onto this belief, it will undermine your actions and results. Similarly, holding subconscious beliefs such as “No one wants to hear what I have to say” or “I’m not a good communicator” can stifle your potential.
Recognizing and Addressing Limiting Beliefs
The adage, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right,” holds true, but the real impact happens at a subconscious level. Your identity and beliefs significantly influence your achievements. You won’t create the success you envision until you fully embody your goals within your identity and beliefs on a subconscious level.
To identify if your identity or beliefs are sabotaging your success, consider tools and methods that help you understand what your subconscious beliefs currently are. We shared a great tool here that can help you assess your current identity and beliefs.
Transforming Your Identity
Once you recognize limiting beliefs, the next step is to redefine your identity. Start by creating a statement that identifies the attributes and beliefs of your new identity – the identity of the person who has already achieved your big vision or goal.
In my programs, I cover methods to quickly and effectively change and up-level your beliefs and identity. For now, I’d like to challenge you to take a simple action: act as if you are already that person. Begin by taking small, aligned actions that reflect this new identity.
Taking Small, Aligned Actions
Start with tiny, manageable actions that allow you to experience success quickly. This builds new habits and reinforces the identity you want to create. For example, if your goal is to become healthier, don’t aim for an hour-long workout right away. Start with five minutes daily to build consistency and success.
This approach prevents the catch-22 of needing to be that person before you can take action. By taking small steps, you start reinforcing your new identity and beliefs through your actions. Over time, these small successes compound, creating a new habit and identity aligned with your goals.
The Upward Spiral of Identity and Action
Think of your progress as an upward spiral, where each area of your life influences the others. Taking aligned actions strengthens your new identity and beliefs, leading to more significant and aligned actions. This positive feedback loop accelerates your growth and success.
Celebrating Success and Maintaining High Energy
Celebrate your small successes often. This creates a reward loop, essential for habit formation. Maintaining a positive state of mind regarding your progress will attract more reasons to feel good, reinforcing your progress.
As conscious leaders, we’re always working towards something. Recognize and be grateful for where you are today, and enjoy every step of your journey. Shift your mindset from “I have to” to “I get to,” and find ways to make daily actions fun and enjoyable. This approach not only enhances your current experience but also reinforces your identity as someone who loves what they do.
Understanding and aligning your identity with your leadership goals is crucial for business success. By recognizing and addressing subconscious beliefs, taking small, aligned actions, and celebrating your progress, you can transform your identity and achieve your vision.
Embrace the journey with joy, and let your evolving identity propel you towards greater leadership and business success.
