We all have an idea of who we are, shaped by our experiences, habits, and beliefs. For example, if you’ve always thought of yourself as someone who’s unhealthy or unfit, you might feel like that’s just “who you are.” But the good news is that your self-belief isn’t fixed. By learning new things and taking simple steps, you can shift that identity and create a new, healthier self-image. My husband was once what you would say very skinny. He ate anything he wanted and remained “thin” until his 40s. Then, his waist line started growing. He pretty much ignored it until he had a health scare a year ago. Now, under his doctor’s suggestion, he walks 5-6 times a week for about 45 minutes on average. I can tell he is changing his old identity through his eating habits and his overall routines. He never complains about trying new foods or going for a walk. It is becoming “who” he is. And, he is 66 years old!
I once read a story of a women who was a smoker and went on a long vacation that required lots of walking. She began having cognitive dissonance of who she was-was having difficulties physically having to walk each day but enjoying the feeling of doing something healthy. Unfortunately, when we have the feeling of cognitive dissonance, we most often just avoid the cause of it. She was in a situation that forced her to keep walking, which was slowing creating an identity shift without her even realizing what was going on. She had paid the money for a tour of a country that required more walking than she thought and it forced her to walk and start to shed the identity of an unhealthy smoker to a women who was walking several miles a day. The story was fascinating because she gave up smoking on the trip without too much resistance and never smoked again.
When we can began a new habit or eliminate a bad habit it causes our brain to began to believe new things. And, the good news is that we can be at any age.
Let’s explore how you can start this transformation!
Recognize Your Current Belief
The first step to changing anything is awareness. Ask yourself:
What beliefs do I hold about myself that are limiting me?
Do I see myself as someone who’s unhealthy, unmotivated, or stuck in certain habits?
Once you recognize that these are just beliefs (not facts), you can begin the process of change.
Start Small with a New Habit
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life to create a new self-image. Instead, start small. Pick one healthy habit you’d like to build, such as:
Drinking more water each day
Taking a 10-minute walk after dinner
Adding more vegetables to your meals
Make the habit easy. The easier we make it, the easier it is to stick. For instance, set your timer on your phone to check in our water-intake. Or, you can set a timer after you finish your dinner to go on a quick walk. The idea is to have reminders to keep the habit going. I like to connect it with something I am already doing. Some refer to this as an anchor or a trigger. What is so exciting about creating a habit is how it makes you feel. These small, doable actions will help you build confidence and create a sense of accomplishment. Over time, as these habits stick, you’ll start to see yourself as a healthier person. And, will want to continue building more habits that fit this new identity.
Reframe Negative Thoughts and watch for that brain of ours to get in the way.
We all have moments when we feel discouraged or doubt our ability to change. When those thoughts creep in, try reframing them. For example: Instead of “I’ve always been unhealthy,” try “I’m learning new ways to take care of myself.” Or replace “I’m not good at exercise” with “I’m building strength and getting better every day.” This shift in language helps reinforce a new self-belief. Don’t forget our brain does not like change. It will try to talk you out of the “new habit” by saying things like “this will never work” or “I am too old to do this” or how about “who cares, this is who I am”. These are the thoughts my brain used to offer me when I was trying new habits.
Don’t forget to Celebrate Your Progress
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step you take brings you closer to your goal. Celebrate those victories! Whether it’s drinking water instead of soda or learning to cook a healthy meal, acknowledge your progress. This helps solidify your new identity as someone who values their health.
Conclusion
Changing your self-beliefs and identity is absolutely possible by learning new things and making small, manageable shifts in your habits. Remember, the key is to start small, be consistent, and celebrate your progress. Over time, you’ll begin to see yourself not as “unhealthy” or “stuck,” but as someone who’s constantly evolving, learning, and becoming a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself.
So, what’s one new thing you’ll start learning today to reshape your self-image?
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