Change takes time and fluctuates throughout the year, but one key to lasting transformation is building a new identity. Just as awareness precedes change, developing a new identity—such as “I am someone who stays fit year-round”—is essential. At first, it might feel like you’re tricking yourself, but remember: “Confidence follows action.” Once you’ve been going through the motions for a few months, you’ll begin to believe it and fully embrace this new identity.

Awareness and identity are two often overlooked factors when it comes to cementing positive change in your life. Let’s break them down.

Awareness

Before we can change, we must first become aware of what is holding us back. Only then can we start taking action. Let’s use the example of tracking daily calories. It’s a hassle for most people, and I don’t think it’s a sustainable long-term strategy, but I do believe everyone should commit to tracking their food intake for at least two weeks every now and then. This short period is about building awareness of your total caloric intake.

Having trouble losing 10 lbs? Track everything you eat, then create a plan that includes:

1.A weekly caloric goal

2.A weekly protein target

The key is remembering: We cannot manage what we don’t measure.

Who do you think would see better results after following a 3-month workout plan:

•Person A, who shows up to the gym but doesn’t follow a clear plan, just sort of “wings it” and only pushes hard when they feel like it?

•Or Person B, who follows a structured plan, shows up when the plan says to, and tracks their weights and reps over the three months?

Ding ding ding—you guessed it. Person B will likely see far better results.

Awareness is powerful. How can we make appropriate changes if we aren’t aware of the changes we need to make?

Identity

Along with awareness, the second key to lasting change is shaping your identity. It’s not enough to just track numbers or take action; you need to see yourself as someone who is committed to your goals. This is where a shift in mindset happens.

When you identify as someone who is consistent with their workouts or someone who eats healthy meals, you begin to make choices that align with that identity. A lot of times, change happens because we start believing, “This is who I am now.” The key is to make that belief stick by reinforcing it daily through your actions.

For example, when you adopt the identity of “someone who stays fit year-round,” you’re no longer relying solely on motivation to work out—you’re acting in alignment with who you believe yourself to be. It’s no longer about “I need to go to the gym” or “I should eat healthier.” It becomes, “I am someone who exercises regularly,” and “I choose foods that nourish my body.”

At first, you might feel like you’re faking it, but with time and consistent action, that new identity becomes ingrained. The actions you take will reinforce the identity you’re creating.

Why Awareness and Identity Matter Together

I track all the workouts I design for my clients, and here’s why:

1.It shows that I’m prepared and have a plan.

2.I want them to focus solely on executing the workout, not on figuring out what comes next—that’s what they’re paying me for!

Do you think a client would see great results if I showed up without a plan, ignored what we did last week, skipped the warm-up, and spent half the session chatting? Absolutely not! And I’d probably be out of a job, too.

But by reinforcing the identity of being a committed client, someone who shows up ready to work, their results speak for themselves. The same goes for anyone trying to make change: when you identify as someone who values growth and health, you begin to show up for yourself in ways that reinforce that identity.

Confidence Follows Action

When we go through the actions necessary to create awareness—whether that’s tracking our workouts, our finances, or our food—we begin to build confidence. In other words, you might not feel motivated to start tracking things (most people aren’t), but once you start seeing positive change, you get a powerful boost of confidence.

As I mentioned earlier, you don’t have to track things forever. However, once you start, the awareness it brings will be a game changer. How can you know how much money you want to save each month if you’re not aware of how much you’re spending? How can you know if you’re getting stronger if you’re doing the same workout every Monday without increasing the intensity?

The Takeaway

If you want to make lasting changes, start by becoming aware of your habits and actions. Track your numbers, fall in love with the process of continuous growth, and—most importantly—align your actions with the identity of the person you want to become. Change isn’t just about doing things differently; it’s about becoming someone who consistently makes choices that support your goals.

With awareness and a strong sense of identity, lasting transformation is not just possible—it’s inevitable.