I’ve written before about how confidence is a result, not a prerequisite, but I want to expand on that idea.

Here’s something to stew on:

We act our way into new ways of thinking and being.

Have you ever wanted to step into a new role or embody a different kind of presence in the world?

This often requires an identity shift (or overcoming an identity hurdle).

For example, years ago when I started my coaching practice I was doing just that: starting from zero. While I was eager to step into this new identity, I rumbled with it. I’d spent my entire career as a product marketer at startups – that was my identity, forged from years of experience.

As a coach, I didn’t yet have years of experience. I hadn’t yet filled my coaching practice with clients I loved.

“Who the f*ck are you to do this?” would cross my mind often.

I was navigating an identity shift (a hurdle really).

It’s the chicken and the egg problem: I wouldn’t build my coaching practice and skills if I kept thinking “who the f*ck are you?”, but until I started enrolling clients I loved, my brain kept telling me I wasn’t a coach.

The same way that confidence is a result and not a prerequisite, we act our way into new ways of thinking and being.

This isn’t always easy, but it’s simple: behave as if you’re already the person you aspire to be.

How would they think? What would they say? What would they do?

I dare you to experiment with this.

Experiment with acting as if you’re already the person you aspire to be and see what happens. Send that bold email, embody that presence, or make that hire.

… and watch your world start to change before your eyes.