The Identity Shift: Why This Year is Different
Image courtesy of Alex Avalos via Unsplash
Every January, millions of people make the same mistake. They set a goal to "lose weight" or "go to the gym five times a week." These are good goals, but they are missing the most important piece of the puzzle. They focus on what you want to do, rather than who you want to be.
This is what experts call an "Identity Shift." If you want your fitness results to last longer than a few weeks, you have to change how you see yourself. Most people see themselves as someone who is "trying" to be healthy. When life gets busy or they have a bad day, they go back to their old self. This year, we are going to change the operating system of your life.
What is an Identity Shift?
Think about two people who are offered a cigarette. The first person says, "No thanks, I’m trying to quit." The second person says, "No thanks, I’m not a smoker."
Do you see the difference? The first person still believes they are a smoker who is trying to change. The second person has changed their identity. Being a non-smoker is now part of who they are. In 2026, we want you to stop being someone who is "trying to get fit" and start being someone who "values their health."
Why Habits Snap Back
Your brain loves patterns. It wants to keep you doing what you have always done because it is safe and easy. This is why you might start strong in January but find yourself back on the couch by February. Your habits are snapping back to match the identity you believe is true.
If you believe "I am just not a morning person," it won't matter how many alarms you set. You will eventually hit snooze. To make a change stick, you have to prove to yourself that your new identity is real. You do this with small wins.
How to Build Your New Identity
You don't change your identity by thinking about it. You change it through your actions. Every time you choose a healthy snack, you are casting a vote for the person you want to become. Every time you put on your walking shoes, you are reinforcing the idea that you are an active person.
Here is how to start your shift this January:
Pick a Word: Choose one word that describes who you want to be. It could be "Athlete," "Resilient," or "Consistent."
Lower the Stakes: Don't try to be perfect. If your goal is to be a "Runner," and you only have ten minutes, go run for ten minutes. A runner is someone who runs, even if it is just a little bit.
Audit Your Language: Stop saying "I'm lazy" or "I have no willpower." Start saying "I am learning to prioritize my energy" or "I am someone who follows through on my promises."
The Power of the Identity Bridge
An identity bridge is a small behavior that connects your old self to your new self. It should be so easy that you can't fail. If you want to be someone who eats well, your bridge might be "drinking one full glass of water before my morning coffee."
These small acts are not just about the water or the walk. They are about building trust with yourself. When you trust yourself to show up, your identity changes. When your identity changes, your life changes. This year, don't just set a resolution. Build a legacy by becoming the person who makes those results happen naturally.
