I know if you are reading this you are someone who is always pushing outside your comfort zone. You are a big thinker! As a big thinker and top performer you, whether you like it or not, are often changing your identity. Growth, whether that means being promoted in your company, taking your own business to the next level or running your first marathon requires a change in identity. You must start thinking, acting and talking at a new level.
Let’s be real here for a moment. An identity shift is not comfortable no matter how much we have dreamed about it! Our brain is programmed to interpret change as dangerous. Even “good” change. So people who are going through a shift in identity must be careful or they will sabotage their own success. Today I’ll share with you two of the five steps to making a smooth and successful identity change.
Step 1: Understand that It Will Be Uncomfortable!
In fact you may feel a bit like a fraud because the new level of success is , well, new! An example of this is when an entrepreneur who is used to struggling to get clients now has more clients then they can handle. That feels great! But along with this success comes responsibilities. It may require hiring some help. Change is needed to serve the new level of clients. No longer can they sit around with their friends and complain about the lack of business. No longer do the “struggling entrepreneur” clothes feel comfortable. On the other hand the new successful, thriving entrepreneur clothes don’t feel quite right either. It’s the naked in between! That’s okay. Understand that this too will pass and soon the “thriving entrepreneur clothes” will feel just right. In the mean time Step Two…
Step: 2 Go Back to Your Strengths
So often when we take the next step to success we forget what we already know. In all the newness we feel like we are learning everything all over again. Take a deep breath and go back to what makes you unique and wonderful…your strengths. For example one of my strengths is building relationships. So when I am going through an identity shift I begin connecting with others who can help me successfully through it. (If you are not sure what your strengths are we need to talk!) By relying on your strengths as you move into new territory you will quickly and efficiently and yes, sometimes even brilliantly adapt to your new success. Ask yourself each day how you can best use your strengths. Make a plan and then take action.
Next week I will be blogging about how to avoid self sabotage the great success messer-upper!
Have an amazing Monday!
Leanna Fredrich Mindset Coach, Adv. EFT, Adv. Psych-K
Leanna@amazingmondays.com