Identity: The Foundation for Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be
Dr. Michele Andorfer Ph.D.
CEO Diamond Innovations, LLC | Author, Speaker, Consultant
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:
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:
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?
I’m no longer asking, What do I need to do? Instead, I’m asking, Who do I need to become?
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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.
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.
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.
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.