Identity significantly influences our thoughts by shaping how we perceive ourselves, interpret experiences, and respond to the world around us. The beliefs, values, and roles that make up our identity act as filters through which we process information and decide what is important or relevant.
For example, if your identity includes being a confident communicator, you are more likely to approach conversations positively, think constructively about your speaking skills, and notice opportunities to express yourself. Conversely, if your identity includes self-doubt, your thoughts may lean toward questioning your abilities or anticipating failure.
examples
Professional Identity: If you see yourself as a skilled professional, you’re inclined to think positively about your work abilities, seek solutions, and focus on growth opportunities. If your professional identity includes feeling incompetent, thoughts may lean toward self-criticism and doubt about your career choices.
Cultural Identity: Your cultural background shapes how you perceive social norms, interpret behaviors, and prioritize values. For example, a strong cultural identity may lead you to think with community-oriented perspectives, emphasizing family and collective well-being.
Creative Identity: When you identify as a creative person, your thoughts often include ideas, possibilities, and innovation. You are more likely to embrace experimentation and see setbacks as learning experiences.
Student Identity: If you define yourself as a lifelong learner, you will have thoughts emphasizing curiosity, perseverance, and openness. If you associate being a student with struggle, you might think thoughts of frustration or inadequacy.
Healthy Lifestyle Identity: When you see yourself as health-conscious, you automatically think about nutrition, exercise, and self-care, influencing daily decisions and prioritizing wellbeing.
Confident Identity: Identifying as confident leads to thoughts of self-trust, readiness to take risks, and resilience after failure, fostering positive mental attitudes in challenging situations.
Parenting Identity: If you define yourself as a caring and responsible parent, your thoughts often focus on nurturing, protecting, and teaching your children, guiding choices and behaviors in family life.
Story
Chinni had always believed she was just an ordinary girl. She went through life following others’ expectations, never truly questioning who she was or what she wanted. One day, while cleaning her attic, she found an old, dusty mirror. Curious, she wiped it clean and looked into it—and saw not just her reflection, but a version of herself she had never imagined.
In that mirror, she saw a confident woman who loved to create art, a person who believed in her talents and took bold steps toward her dreams. It was as if the mirror revealed her true potential—hidden beneath doubts and doubts she carried for years.
Inspired, Lina started exploring her passions—dancing, painting, and speaking her truths. Each step she took reinforced her new identity as someone confident and creative. Over time, her thoughts changed: she saw opportunities instead of obstacles, and her actions reflected her newfound self-belief.
The mirror was more than just glass; it was a reflection of her emerging identity. Lina realized that her true self had been inside her all along—she just needed to see herself clearly to bring her dreams to life.
This story highlights how discovering and embracing your true identity can transform your mindset and life, encouraging you to see your potential clearly.
Examples of Daily Micro-Habits for Identity Change
Identity: “I am a reader”Read one page of a book each morning
Identity: “I am an exerciser”Do 5 minutes of stretching or a single set of push-ups after waking up
Identity: “I am organized”Make your bed or write a short to-do list every morning
Identity: “I am kind”Say something nice to one person or send a thoughtful message daily
Identity: “I am a healthy eater”Drink a glass of water before each meal or add one vegetable a day
Identity: “I am a writer”Write one sentence or a journal entry every morning or night
Identity: “I am mindful”Take one minute for quiet breathing or reflection before starting your day
Daily Micro-Habits for a “Rich”
Gratitude: Write down one thing you appreciate about your life or resources every morning
Track Finances: Review your spending and saving daily, even for just five minutes. This builds awareness and control
Invest in Learning: Spend five minutes daily learning about personal finance, investments, or habits of wealthy people
Mindset Affirmations: Repeat positive statements, such as “I have enough” or “My wealth is growing,” to reinforce belief in abundance
Generosity: Give small acts of kindness—donate a coin, share knowledge, or help someone—demonstrating the generosity often associated with wealth
Upgrade Surroundings: Clean or organize your space each day, making it reflect richness and care
Set Wealth Goals: Write down one small financial goal (like saving a set amount or exploring a new investment) and take a micro-action toward it daily
Implementation Tips
Start small and choose 1–3 micro-habits to practice consistently. The key is to act, think, and make choices as the “rich” version of yourself—someone who is abundant, responsible, and grateful. Over time, these actions shape both your self-image and real-life outcomes
abundant mindset affirmations you can use daily to reinforce feelings of abundance and prosperity:
“I am worthy of all the abundance life offers.”
“Wealth and prosperity flow to me easily and naturally.”
“I am open to receiving unlimited abundance.”
“Every day, I attract more success and abundance.”
“I am grateful for the abundance I have and the abundance on its way.”
“Money comes to me in expected and unexpected ways.”
“I create opportunities for wealth and happiness.”
“I have enough, I do enough, and I am enough.”
“My life is filled with endless possibilities and riches.”
“I release all fears about money and welcome abundance.”
Steps to Track Your Finances
List Your Income Sources: Write down all sources of money you receive regularly, such as salary, gifts, or side earnings.
Record All Expenses: Track every expense, no matter how small, including bills, groceries, entertainment, and other purchases. You can do this daily using a notebook, spreadsheet, or an app.
Categorize Expenses: Group your expenses into categories like rent, food, transportation, entertainment, savings, etc. This helps you understand where your money goes.
Use Budgeting Tools or Apps: Use apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or simple spreadsheets to input your income and expenses. These tools can provide summaries and alerts
Set Financial Goals: Define goals such as saving for emergencies, paying off debt, or investing. Tracking your progress toward these goals helps motivate good habits
Review Weekly or Monthly: Set time each week or month to review your finances. Look for areas to cut back or reallocate money toward savings or needs.
Adjust and Plan: Based on your review, adjust your spending habits and update your budget to stay on track with your goals
