The Identity Shift: Navigating the Messy Reality of Personal Growth
We explored dropping perfectionism and using our missteps as helpful data in the last blog post. As you digest that data, you naturally begin to grow. That growth often invites a deep shift in who you are.
The song "Magnet" by the artist Able Heart features a single lyric that beautifully captures the essence of trying on a new, healed identity: "fake it til you make it."
What comes up for you when you hear those words? Some view it as a lack of authenticity, while others see it as a powerful tool for embodying a future, healed version of themselves. Stepping into a new phase of growth requires a profound identity shift. It asks us to shed old habits, allow our minds to change, release limiting beliefs that no longer serve us, and gracefully mourn the personas we used to identify with.
Let's explore the beautiful, messy reality of that transformation.
The Polarizing Phrase
The phrase "fake it til you make it" frequently creates two distinct camps in the wellness space.
Camp A is vehemently against this idea because it sounds like an endorsement of being fake. This group deeply values authenticity and gravitates toward what is real and true. The integrity behind prioritizing genuine connection is something I deeply honor.
On the flip side, Camp B is highly supportive of this verbiage. In this space, the power of mindset and practice is greatly respected. They use this phrase to harness the energy of embodying. The goal is to get clear on who you want to be, and behave as if you already are that person.
I find truth in this, too. We live in a "both and" world, and the meaning we ascribe to our words impacts us greatly. Trying on a healed identity might feel uncomfortable at first, but it does not mean you are an imposter. You are simply practicing the habits of your future self.
The Hypocrisy Illusion
When you actively heal, your thoughts and beliefs naturally evolve. Yet, a heavy fear frequently stops us in our tracks: the fear of being called a hypocrite.
We worry that if we change our minds about a wellness boundary, a parenting style, or a deeply held belief, people will judge us for doing things differently than we used to. We fear they will point fingers and say, "But you used to do it this way!" This keeps many of us stuck in patterns that no longer fit.
Here is the Blossom and Balance perspective: changing your mind is not a character flaw. It is beautiful proof of a growth mindset.
Altering your stance simply means you are taking in new data, digesting it, and allowing yourself to evolve. Releasing old, rigid beliefs is a natural part of healing. You have permission to outgrow things that no longer serve your nervous system.
Seasons, Reasons, and Beautiful Horizons
When we step into a healed version of ourselves, we frequently have to mourn our old selves. As we shed familiar layers, our relationship dynamics naturally shift.
In a recent podcast episode with Jay Shetty, Coral Santoro spoke beautifully about how relationships change as we evolve. It brings to mind the quote that people enter our lives for a reason or a season. It is normal to grieve the connections that no longer fit the person you are becoming. The work of laying aside old identities is heavy.
However, here is the incredibly exciting part: releasing that heavy baggage creates room for your future.
When you bravely let go of what feels misaligned, you clear out the clutter. You open up a vast, beautiful space for new, deeply supportive relationships. You make room for profound peace. You create the exact environment needed for the vibrant life you are actively building.
The shedding process might feel tender, but the horizon ahead is exceptionally bright.
If you’re feeling stretched thin and want a gentle place to start, you can book a free 20-minute Clarity Call below.
There is no pressure, just a gentle space for you!
This blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical or mental health advice. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, heal, cure or prevent any illness, medical, or mental health condition. Amanda is providing services only in the capacity as a health and wellness coach, not as a licensed medical or mental health professional. Working with us is not a guarantee of any results. Blossom and Balance Wellness LLC owns all copyrights to the materials presented here unless otherwise noted.