Power of Identity

How you complete the phrase “I am …..” is POWERFUL!

In what feels like a past life, I smoked an average of 1-2 packs of cigarettes a day for about a decade. I am a smoker was an identity statement that resonated. Smoking was a part of who I was. Over this period I made several attempts to quit. “I’m trying to quit” was a common phrase.

When “trying” to quit each day I woke up and had to burn through the willpower (pun intended) required to recommit on the goal of quitting every time I saw someone smoke or had a friend offer me a cigarette. MENTALLY EXHAUSTING!

When I met my future wife it was clear I had a decision to make. While she never verbalized her criteria, I somehow knew in my heart dating a smoker was not on her roadmap. Would I choose cigarettes or the possibilities of this relationship?

I can still vividly remember my last cigarette. Standing on a porch overlooking the West Hills of Portland I had a clear thought “I’m no longer a smoker” … more of a declaration.

In that instant, MY IDENTITY CHANGED!

Expending willpower was no longer required because smoking didn’t align with my new identity. There was no decision to make because it just wasn’t who I am.

Sooo… why do I share that story? What does it have to do with YOU and your big goals?

My question >> What identity is holding you back from a greater level of success?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

-Josh

Dream big. Live aligned!