Mar 23

What’s Your Identity

Maria Tallchief (1925 – 2013) is the ballerina who took Paris by storm at the age of 22. Tallchief said being a ballerina is like being a five-star general. What is your metaphor for being? Do you describe yourself as a five-star general in your chosen field or call yourself “just an employee”? If you were to step into the identity of a five-star general, how would you move, what would you focus on, what would you believe, and what words would you use to describe life?

Creating the life of your dreams starts with consciously creating a new identity. Ask yourself:

• What do I really want?
• Who do I need to be in order to achieve that?
• What prevents me from being that person now?
• What behaviors do I need to have? Habits?
• What are some things that I would consistently do or not do?
• What would I have to value most?
• What is most important to me?
• How would I describe myself?
• What would I call myself?
• What would I absolutely not tolerate?
• What emotional states would serve me; for example, expectancy, joy, or gratitude?
• How will I feel when I have this result in my life?
• What unexamined beliefs are holding you back?

Be sure to eradicate any beliefs that are inconsistent with your new identity and reinforce your new identity and beliefs by creating daily rituals. Zig Ziglar said, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”   Reinforce your new identity by linking it to something you do every day – like taking a shower!

Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.