The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything: From Outcome Goals to Identity Goals
Let’s talk about the reason so many people feel stuck in a loop…
You start strong. You set a goal. You crush it for a week.
Then life gets busy, motivation fades, and you feel like you “fell off the wagon.” Again.
Sound familiar?
The problem isn’t you—it’s how you’re setting goals.
We’ve been taught to obsess over outcomes:
“Lose 20 pounds.”
“Work out 5x/week.”
“Meal prep every Sunday.”
But outcomes are temporary. They’re fragile. They rely on things going right.
What actually drives long-term change?
👉 Your identity.
Why identity goals stick (and outcome goals don’t)
Outcome goals are about what you want to do.
Identity goals are about who you want to become.
Here’s the difference:
Outcome goal: “I want to run a 5K.”
Identity goal: “I’m someone who trains consistently and cares for my cardiovascular health.”
See the shift?
Identity goals root you in daily actions. They’re not tied to perfection or external validation—they’re about alignmentwith your values.
Let’s talk brain science (quickly!)
Behavior change researcher Dr. BJ Fogg and author James Clear both emphasize this truth:
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become.”
That means:
When you show up for a 10-minute walk, you’re voting for “I’m someone who moves my body.”
When you cook one balanced meal, you’re voting for “I nourish myself with care.”
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep voting.
Over time, your habits catch up with your new identity—and the old one fades.
Identity work in real life: A client example
One of my coaching clients came to me saying, “I just want to stop quitting on myself.”
She didn’t need another macro split or training plan. She needed to believe she wasn’t a quitter.
We focused on building tiny, winnable habits: 8 oz of water in the morning, 3 walks a week, a protein source with every meal.
Three months later?
She’s not “on track”—she is the track. Her words:
“I don’t even think about it anymore. It’s just who I am now.”
THAT is the power of identity-based change.
Action steps to shift from outcome to identity:
Visualize your future self.
Who do you want to be 3 months from now? Confident? Energized? Calm?List what that version of you does.
What habits are automatic for them? What do they say no to? How do they handle stress?Create a mantra or anchor phrase.
Ex: “I’m someone who honors my body.” Repeat it when you’re tempted to give up.Celebrate the reps—not the results.
Every small habit is proof. You’re casting votes. Trust the accumulation.
P.S. You don’t need a new goal—you need a new identity.
And the best part? You don’t have to wait for permission to become that person.
Just start acting like them—one decision at a time.
If you want to work on building your future self…click the link below to join the next round of IDENTITY REBOOT - our semi-DIY 21 day program to help you build consistency around the actions that will create your future self.