Become the Individual Who Achieves Their Aspirations
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Chapter 1: The Journey of Becoming
"Life isn't about discovering yourself; it's about creating yourself." This powerful statement emphasizes that the real challenge lies not in reaching your ambitions but in evolving into the person equipped to achieve those ambitions.
Recently, I explored this concept during a group coaching session—a crucial topic that often goes overlooked. I aim to elaborate on my insights from that discussion and provide you with actionable strategies to help realize your dreams.
As a business coach, I frequently encounter clients who are at a certain level in their careers, say a level five, and seek immediate guidance to elevate themselves to a level ten. This situation is akin to a high school basketball player asking for shortcuts to become the next Michael Jordan overnight. Simply providing a plan won’t yield success unless they first transform into the person capable of executing it.
For instance, I had to take my truck to the repair shop recently, and I needed someone to give me a ride home. Unfortunately, everyone who could assist was preoccupied. In a lighthearted moment, I suggested to my eleven-year-old son, Jamari, that he drive me there. Of course, he can't drive yet—he hasn't yet become the person who can perform that task.
This scenario illustrates a common obstacle in our pursuit of goals: we often haven’t yet developed into the individual capable of fulfilling those responsibilities.
Many of us have been conditioned to think that when our efforts don’t yield immediate results, we’ve failed and should give up. However, we often overlook that our experiences—both successes and failures—are shaping us into the individuals who can eventually accomplish our objectives.
Identity Transformation
Reflecting further on our coaching discussion, I recognized the significance of identity in achieving success. To become the person who can accomplish "the thing," one must undergo an identity shift.
Anthony Trucks, in his book Identity Shift, notes, "Your identity dictates your operations. How you operate ultimately influences your daily performance. Consistent performance over time shapes your success and, in turn, elevates your life."
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, highlights that many people overlook identity changes when pursuing improvement. For example, someone wishing to lose weight may declare, "I want to be skinny," focusing solely on the outcome. Their belief might be, "If I adhere to this diet, I will be skinny," which centers on the process.
Clear points out, "They set goals and outline actions without considering the beliefs that underpin those actions… neglecting to shift their self-perception and risking sabotage from their previous identity."
As we contemplate who we need to evolve into in order to achieve our aspirations, we must embrace an identity transformation.
In a memorable episode of The Richie Norton Show, Jeff Goins emphasized this concept when he discussed his journey to becoming a writer. He realized that "before I can do something, I must become someone." By shifting his identity from aspiring writer to writer, he aligned his actions with his new self-image, ultimately becoming a published author.
Becoming the Individual
In my training program, The Peak Performance System for High Achievers, I cover effective goal-setting and the importance of understanding the motivations behind each goal. However, I initially overlooked a vital component: Identity—how to become the individual capable of achieving those goals.
This identity shift is essential. As you outline your grand ambitions, consider who you need to become to attain them.
Free Mindset Assessment
Our beliefs and assumptions shape our identities. Through my mindset coaching sessions, I assist individuals in identifying mental barriers that may be hindering their progress and explore foundational beliefs that could be influencing those barriers. This Vertical Development exercise can significantly aid your journey.
Chapter 2: Insights from Experts
In the first video, "EP 829: Jeff Heggie - How to Master the Art of Optimal Entrepreneurship," Jeff Heggie discusses strategies for mastering entrepreneurship and the importance of becoming the right person to achieve your entrepreneurial goals.
The second video, "Our Job Is To Help People Dream Again," emphasizes the role of mindset in helping individuals rediscover their aspirations and take actionable steps towards their goals.