Do you have an alter-ego — a vision in your mind of who you would like to become? Maybe you’ve made attempts to change and become that person by making lists of what you need to do to change into that version of yourself. But, what if there was a better way? What if, instead, you focused on the who, rather than the what?
It ties right in with what James Clear says about identity-based habits.
Nia, at SipBlack.net, also wrote about these identity-based habits. She says:
“You need to become the kind of person who can reach those lofty goals. Be committed to embodying that individual. Then stop thinking like you, and start thinking like that other person… Create someone, if you must… If you won’t get it together, then become someone who will.”
Nia also writes:
“Reinventing yourself makes you aware of the sheer power of the mind… you can become anyone you want, do anything you want.”
So many times we try to begin with deciding to change our actions. And, while this might work for a time, many of us find ourselves falling back into the same old patterns.
Taking on a new persona, however, is based on a mindset shift… and this, truly, is key to any lasting change.
I think it’s important to remember here, that what is changing is what you do, when you do it, and how you do it. You aren’t necessarily changing your fundamental beliefs or values.
For example, my own alter-ego is someone who still holds to Christian beliefs, and values Freedom & Authenticity. However, this “better me” is someone who:
- follows a daily schedule
- obeys God without hesitation
- eats wholesome, nutritious food 90% of the time
- is capable of defending herself, if need be
- is confident and secure in who she is
- etc.
Basically, she excels where I often find myself lacking. In acting as though I am this other persona, I am just acting in the way I would truly prefer to be acting, anyway. In so doing, I’m leveling up!
So, if you could reinvent yourself, who would you become? What does this better version of you look like? Feel free to comment below!