Identity Shifting: How to Get Ahead of 99% of People (in 2024)

Summary

The video discusses a 3-step process to reinvent yourself when you feel stuck in life. First, tune into the emotional pain you may be feeling as a signal for change. Next, envision an exciting future 2.0 version of yourself across work, relationships and lifestyle. Write it down and revisit it daily as inspiration. Finally, take daily actions that reinforce this new identity, rather than waiting for motivation. Follow the ready, fire, aim approach of doing before overpreparing. Small steps compound to build momentum towards realizing your vision of the best life possible.

Takeaways

• 😞 Recognize and learn from the pain and dissatisfaction in your life
• 😃 Get excited about the possibilities and your future vision for yourself
• 📝 Design your ideal future self - how you will work, rest and play
• ⏰ Revisit your vision and goals every morning and evening
• 🚀 Set aspirational goals to tap into excitement and motivation
• 👀 When you see others succeeding, get inspired rather than compared
• 🗓️ Make a specific action plan to bridge the gap to your goals
• 🎭 Reinforce your desired identity by acting as your future self daily
• 🏋️‍♀️ Take action first, motivation comes after starting
• ❌ Overcome procrastination by showing up daily as a professional

Q & A

What is the first step Clark suggests to reinvent yourself?

The first step is to become aware of and tune into any emotional or mental pain you may be feeling on a day-to-day basis. This "pain teacher" can provide important lessons and motivation to create change.

What does Clark say negative emotions are a call to action for?

Clark says negative emotions are like warning signs or gauges telling you to make a change, similar to physical pain directing you to take action to relieve the pain.

What are the 3 areas Clark suggests considering for your vision of your ideal self?

The 3 areas are: work - what you want your job/income to look like; rest - lifestyle, relationships, health goals; and play - adventures, travel aspirations.

Why does Clark recommend setting an aspirational hourly wage?

It sets a bold, exciting target to motivate you and tap into feelings of inspiration and possibility rather than limitation.

What did Clark write on his wall to reinforce his income goal?

He wrote "By the end of this year I will make $10,000 of self-generated income" on a piece of wallpaper and looked at it daily.

What percentage of the study group who made a specific workout plan followed through?

91% of the group who wrote down a specific time and place to work out completed at least 1 workout per week, compared to only 35% of the other groups.

What does Clark say is key to shifting your identity?

Reinforcing your new identity by taking small actions daily that align with and confirm that identity shift.

What does Clark say professionals do regardless of motivation?

True professionals show up every day to do the work, whether they feel motivated or inspired to or not.

What principle does Clark suggest instead of ready, aim, fire?

He suggests "ready, fire, aim" - get set up then get started, course correcting as you go rather than overplanning.

What does Clark say is often the root cause behind procrastination?

He says the root is usually not laziness, but rather not knowing what action to take next.