As the calendar turns to a new year, we find ourselves in a powerful moment of transition—a time to pause, reflect, and refocus on what truly matters. It’s not just about setting resolutions or goals; it’s about asking ourselves the deeper, more transformative questions that pave the way for lasting growth and empowerment. Many of us became who we needed to in order to survive, and this year I challenge you to become who you need to be to thrive.
Throughout life, we adapt to life’s challenges by adopting survival mechanisms—ways of thinking, acting, and being that helped us get through difficult times. But survival is not the same as thriving.
Thriving requires stepping out of the patterns and identities forged by necessity and into a new, empowered version of ourselves. It’s about releasing the limiting beliefs, habits, and mindsets that no longer serve us and embracing the growth, possibility, and freedom that come with redefining who we are.
This year, instead of asking, What do I want to do? Or what do I want to achieve? Consider asking, Who do I need to become to thrive?
Goals often focus on doing—checking tasks off a list, achieving milestones, or reaching specific outcomes. While goals are important, they are only one part of the equation. Becoming shifts the focus from what you want to achieve to who you are evolving into.
Becoming is about stepping into alignment with universal intelligence. It’s about embodying the traits, mindset, and energy of the person who can naturally create the outcomes you most desire. Instead of chasing external achievements, you’re cultivating the internal foundation that makes those achievements inevitable.
For example, instead of setting a goal to “exercise five times a week,” you might focus on becoming a person who prioritizes self-care and values movement as a way to nurture their body. The actions flow naturally when they align with this new sense of self. The redefined version of self or identity of who you are.
Why Identity Shapes Your Path to Becoming
Becoming is deeply connected to identity—how we define ourselves and the stories we tell about who we are. Identity is shaped by the words we use to complete the statement, I AM ________________.
Take a moment to reflect: What do you say after “I AM”? Do you define yourself as “I am strong,” “I am overwhelmed,” “I am capable,” or “I am stuck”? These statements reveal the beliefs and narratives that influence your decisions, habits, and overall sense of self.
When we consciously redefine our identity, we open ourselves to a powerful transformation. By saying, “I am resilient,” or “I am someone who prioritizes my health,” you align your actions with this new identity. Your words shape and lead you to your reality. Words have power! Be careful what you speak as you are creating everyday. Make sure what you say is aligned with what you most wish to create in your life. If you’d like to learn more about the power of I AM, check out this previous blog post.
This shift is at the heart of becoming. It’s about rewriting the story of who you are so it reflects the empowered version of yourself you’re ready to embrace. When you focus on who you need to become, your transformation is deeper and more sustainable. Here’s why:
It’s Rooted in Identity, Not Outcomes
Goals are finite—they have an endpoint. But when you focus on becoming, you’re committing to a continuous evolution. It’s not just about losing 10 pounds; it’s about becoming someone who loves and honors their body daily.
It Creates Lasting Change
Doing can feel forced or temporary if it doesn’t align with your deeper values or identity. Becoming integrates these actions into who you are, making them a natural and lasting part of your life.
It Empowers You to Navigate Challenges
When you focus on becoming, obstacles become part of the process rather than roadblocks. You ask, “What can this teach me about the person I’m becoming?” Challenges become opportunities for growth instead of setbacks.
How Becoming Differs From Doing
The distinction between becoming and doing lies in the why. Doing is about action; becoming is about transformation. For example:
- Doing: Meditating for 10 minutes a day.
- Becoming: Becoming a person who prioritizes stillness and cultivates inner peace.
- Doing: Eating a healthy breakfast every day.
- Becoming: Becoming someone who listens to their body and nourishes it with love.
- When you focus on becoming, the actions feel less like obligations and more like expressions of who you truly are.
To support you in this process, I’ve created a workbook to help unveil your potential. It’s filled with thought-provoking questions and exercises designed to help you reflect on the past year, set empowering intentions, and step into your most thriving self.
This workbook will help you:
- Gain clarity on your strengths and growth areas.
- Release limiting beliefs that no longer serve you.
- Take actionable steps to embody the person you want to become.
This year, give yourself permission to dream bigger than goals. Dream of becoming. Who you are becoming is more important than any single achievement because it shapes the foundation for a life that feels aligned, authentic, and empowering.
Written by Sue Rapley
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