Jonathan Rice – Identity Level Change

If the underlying causes aren’t addressed, most people try to change behaviors. Your behaviors will auto-correct if you create change at the identity level. You think of yourself differently now that you have an identity-level change. Your image has changed. This is a permanent change.

Willpower is required for behavior-level changes, while identity-level changes follow naturally. You will have an urge to go to the gym if you see yourself as a healthy, athletic person.

Step into the role as if it was real when you have decided what you want. You are now 30 pounds lighter. You have become a successful businessman. You are a writer. You are a speaker. You are doing well in relationships. Change has to start somewhere, so don’t feel bad about faking it. You are changing from inside to outside. You shouldn’t look for external circumstances to support your self-image. Be patient as you change your self- image. It will take some time for external circumstances to catch up. 2

If you want to make a big, sustainable change in your life, you should start thinking about it on a deeper level. If you want to lose 30 pounds, stop thinking about diet and start thinking about what beliefs you would have to hold to stay at your ideal weight. How would you think? Why would you think that way? You want to make the changes in your motivation first so that you can go to the gym and eat healthy.

• Key question: How would my self-image have to change so that I automatically have the behavior I want?

Don’t wait for anyone to give you permission. If you want to be a writer, you should start writing even if you haven’t published anything yet. You have to start somewhere. The Golden Gate Bridge, the space shuttle, and the Pyramids are the most real things that exist today. The point where what you want is real is when you are creating your future. That is okay. You are guaranteed to fail if you don’t believe in yourself.

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