Hi, Reader!
Let’s get honest: if you were the hiring manager for your dream business, how likely are you to hire the current version of yourself to run it? On a scale from 1–10?
If your answer is less than 7, let’s talk.
You may have never been told this but your identity is one thing that Faith & science agree precedes all things in your life and business. In fact, most of your business’ struggles are identity issues in disguise.
Do I have your attention? Good. Because I’m about to mess with your comfort zone—in a loving, business-growing way.
Here’s the truth: we cannot grow businesses that outgrow us. And in order to build a business that feels worth building, entrepreneurs must keep identity work at the forefront of their vision!
A study by two professors of entrepreneurship puts it this way, “Entrepreneurial activities are infused with meaning as a result of the expression of an individual’s identity…Identities are the primary sources of motivation for human behavior.”
In other words, your business begins with who you believe you are. So, it makes sense to say that your business can only evolve as you evolve.
Why?
Identity work gives you the power to be fluid and to adapt.
We saw this during the COVID-19 pandemic—entrepreneurs were challenged to take on the identity of an online business owner, and the ones who could adapt were the ones who survived.
The previously mentioned study says this: “Identity provides a frame of reference for making decisions—without a clear sense of self, entrepreneurs struggle to create a business model that aligns with their deeper motivations and strengths.”
Who you perceive yourself to be, whether rigid or fluid, will determine your ability to adapt and overcome in difficult situations.
Identity work makes you the leader of your thought-to-action pathway.
The Holy Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 — “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our thoughts and beliefs influence our feelings and actions. And science backs this up. Research shows that the “process of self-definition directly impacts [our] confidence and actions in [our businesses].”
When you work on your identity, you’re able to decide how your thoughts affect your actions. And this makes it easier for you to achieve your goals.
Identity work creates lasting change, hence creating lasting success.
What’s the point of a desired change if it’s not permanent?
Your identity is at the root of all you do, so when you start with self-definition, you create a domino effect that ends with the change you wanted leading to the success you hoped for.
How can you do this?
It’s simple.
Start to pay attention to how you use the words, “I am.”
For example, “I am trying to build a business” is not quite as powerful as “I am an entrepreneur.”
With much love,
-- KemZi | Your Self-Reinvention Coach & Business Strategist