Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Self-Identity in Achieving Your Dreams
Abstract
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly achieve their goals and live a life of significance, while others struggle to make progress? The answer lies in the concept of self-identity and how it governs our lives. As motivational speaker Ed Mylett so aptly puts it, “There’s a governor on our lives, and it’s our identity – what we think we’re worth, what we think we deserve.”
The Thermostat of Self-Identity
Imagine a thermostat set to 75 degrees. When life starts heating up, and we’re experiencing success, we unconsciously find ways to cool things back down to our comfort zone. Conversely, when life takes a turn for the worse, we grind and find ways to heat things back up to our perceived level of worthiness. This self-imposed governor on our identity keeps us stuck in a cycle of mediocrity.
Breaking Free: Altering Your Self-Identity
To break free from this cycle, you need to alter your self-identity. This can be achieved in two ways:
1. Stepping out of your comfort zone: By putting yourself in circumstances that demand you to operate beyond your current level, you’ll begin to believe in your new identity. As you repetitively push past your limits, you’ll start to internalize a new sense of self-worth.
2. Surrounding yourself with high achievers: When you surround yourself with people who operate at a higher level than you, your identity will rise through osmosis. By associating with those who embody the qualities and achievements you aspire to, you’ll begin to adopt their mindset and behaviors.
The Power of Behaviors and Associations
Both your behaviors and associations play a crucial role in altering your beliefs about yourself. By changing your actions and the company you keep, you’ll begin to shift your self-identity. As Ed Mylett emphasizes, “Your identity, through osmosis, goes up.”
Conclusion
Unlocking your potential requires a deep understanding of your self-identity and how it governs your life. By recognizing the thermostat of self-identity and taking steps to alter it, you’ll be able to break free from the cycle of mediocrity and achieve your dreams. Remember, it’s not just about setting goals; it’s about becoming the person who can achieve those goals. By changing your self-identity, you’ll unlock a life of significance and purpose.
References
– Mylett, E. (n.d.). Maximum Impact Book. Unpublished manuscript.
– Other relevant sources on self-identity, personal growth, and achievement.