Twenty-one months or so ago, I wrote an article which basically said that we make our habits… and then our habits make us.
In effect, our habits ultimately define a good deal of our identity.
Lately, I have had a number of conversations with people who have been struggling… and it would seem that a large part of that struggle is not only their habits, but also in how they see themselves when they’re all alone.
Yes, it’s a real-life big-time identity crisis… and it’s nothing new.
I am reminded of a number of stories going back to Biblical times where it was so important for people to chart a new course that they literally had to take on a complete change in identity… and as part of that identity change, they were actually given a whole new name.
So Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah… subtle changes that represented an entirely different mindset. Look it up. Likewise, Jacob became Israel… Simon became Peter… Saul became Paul… and a ton of others with names you can barely pronounce.
Don’t believe me?
Try Belteshazzar or Zaphenath-Paneah or Meshach, for example… but alas, I digress 🙂
The point is that what we believe about ourselves… indeed, what we see and what we say about ourselves can have a profound effect upon our outcomes. Sure, what others do and say can influence us if we allow it, but our own thoughts and our own beliefs and our own actions can make or break us quickly.
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I think it was Henry Ford who said that, “whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” And to a degree, he was on the money. For sure, if you believe the negative… if you believe you can’t… the chances of success are limited.
Are you persuasive? A people person? Good with money or relationships or the opposite sex? Are you full of life and energy and vitality and strength?
Are you good with math? An excellent cook? A good reader or teacher or listener? Could you be?
If your answer is no, then there is little opportunity for improvement. And the reason is simple. If we claim despair and frustration and disease and hopelessness… if we believe in a negative… then what is the use of even trying?
It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
On the other hand, many times we can change our thoughts… change our words… change our actions… and change our position in life.
Yes, we can change our identity.
And when we change how we see ourselves… we often change how the rest of the world sees us as well.
So here’s to everything you love about yourself… and to improving the rest 🙂
I look forward to speaking with you.
Questions:
What are three statements you are telling yourself that may be holding you back?
What are three areas that you would like to improve in 2011?
If you tried and failed in one of those endeavors today, what’s the worst that could happen?
What’s the worst that could happen if you don’t try at all?
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