“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
- George Eliot
It's easy to criticize in hindsight.
I should've invested in this years ago.I should've started that project years ago.I should've... fill in the blank.
The harsh truth is, no matter what we do, we can't change the past.
The only change we can make is now.
To avoid falling into this trap again, ask yourself this question:"If I continue doing what I'm currently doing, will I be celebrating or regretting my actions in 12 months?"
If you answered "celebrating", then you are on the right path. Keep going.
If you answered "regretting", then it's apparent that you must change your actions to match your aspirations.
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
In today's newsletter edition, we will unpack how to change the narrative of your life, set and reach goals, and start today.
The Story We Tell Ourselves
"Identity is shaped by repeated actions, both good and bad."
We all have an internal story that makes up our identity.
"I am" statements.
I am a runner.I am outgoing.I am unlucky.I am healthy.I am lazy.I am...
The identity you hold to be true defines the set of actions and behaviors you prioritize.
For example: "I am a runner" - if you hold this to be true, you will prioritize the act of running.
The challenge is changing the story you tell yourself.
"I've never been a runner, but I want to be a runner".
There's a gap between the story you've been telling yourself and the story you want to start identifying with.
How do you change the story?
Identity isn't formed by luck, but by evidence.
I love the framework James Clear highlights in Atomic Habits. He explains that each action you take is a vote for your future self.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
With each action, you are rewriting the story and identity you hold to be true.
Irrespective of your past actions, the only thing that matters is the next vote.
You can start casting votes today.
Permission to Reinvent Endlessly
Our identity offers clarity. Similar to guardrails on the highway.
Those same guardrails can be restrictive, making it feel like you must continue the course.
At times, our own identity can be limiting.
However, you can reinvent your identity as many times as you like, and often it's our own ego and self that hold us back from progressing.
We worry about what other people's perspectives of us will be if we change our identity.
Most people believe identity works like this:
Past → Identity → Future
But it actually works like this:
Action → Evidence → Identity
You always have permission to reinvent yourself.
My Challenge to You
Before you close this newsletter, ask yourself the question:
"If I continue doing what I'm currently doing, will I be celebrating or regretting my actions in 12 months?"
If you feel the urge to make a change, my challenge to you today is to assume the identity you desire and cast one vote today for your future self with a small, simple action.
One vote.
"I want to be healthy in 12 months".
Cast your vote by going for a 10-minute walk.
A year from now, that small step, that single vote, could be the catalyst to the best version of yourself.
"Growth happens gradually, then suddenly.
Slowly, then all at once." - Sahil Bloom
Reply to this email:
What is the vote (action) you are going to take today?
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Only the best,
Jeremy London, MD
P.S. Don't forget to follow my podcast for free on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
