Piece Two: Become in order to Achieve
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In the previous piece, we explored the foundational power of your why, the deep purpose that fuels enduring motivation. Now, we address the second pillar of transformation: your identity. A compelling reason to change is essential, but the mechanism for that change is rooted in who you decide to be.
The Athlete: An Embodiment of Identity
Consider the world-class athlete. Their success is not a product of temporary choices; it is the external manifestation of an ingrained identity. The discipline, the habits, and the resilient mindset they possess are not qualities they activate at will. These traits are the very fabric of their personality. Every action that leads to their greatness is a direct reflection of this internal architecture.
A personality is a composite of one’s beliefs, values, and reflexive behaviors. This internal framework governs decisions, which in turn dictate actions. Over time, these consistent actions construct a person’s physical reality, from the company they keep and the career they pursue to the very shape of their body.
To illustrate this, imagine an elite athlete is hospitalized after consuming spoiled food. During recovery, medication causes significant weight gain. After two weeks, they are healthy and discharged, but their physique is altered. How long would it take for them to reclaim their previous form?
The answer is almost no time at all. Their identity dictates their decisions, and their decisions shape their actions. The disciplined eating, rigorous training, and unwavering consistency that define them will naturally restore their former condition. They do not require a novel or complex plan; they simply need to resume living in alignment with their established identity. As a direct consequence of being who they are, their peak physical form is an inevitable outcome.
This is not about chasing fitness as an isolated goal. It is about embodying a lifestyle where fitness is a natural byproduct. This principle extends far beyond physical health. Whether your ambition is to build wealth, achieve academic excellence, or cultivate stronger relationships, the core philosophy remains the same. You must first become the person who would naturally achieve such things.
The "Become to Achieve" Framework
How, then, do you construct this new version of yourself? The process begins and ends with identity. Your identity shapes your decisions. Your decisions guide your actions. Your actions compound to create your reality.
First, you must define your North Star: the best version of yourself. This is not a static prediction of your future but a dynamic, guiding vision of your highest potential. This ideal self has already achieved what you currently aspire to. They possess the habits, mindset, and character traits integral to that success. Visualizing this person in vivid detail, from their beliefs and priorities to their daily behaviors, gives you a tangible identity to step into.
Even without a single, clear goal, the pursuit of becoming this ideal self creates inherent purpose. It is a powerful antidote to stagnation, focusing your energy on growth and contribution. This journey of personal evolution generates ripples of positive change across all facets of your life, improving your health, discipline, relationships, and resilience. Success in any one area ceases to be a target you chase; it becomes a welcome side effect of who you are becoming.
Bridging Belief and Action
This framework is more than a shift in perspective or an exercise in positive thinking. While shaping your identity begins with belief, the engine of genuine change is action. It is a common error to believe that simply perceiving yourself as capable or fit is sufficient. Self-perception alone, the act of believing you are someone you are not yet, does not alter your circumstances. It offers a fleeting mental lift but builds no muscle, imparts no knowledge, and forges no discipline.
The "Become to Achieve" framework provides the mechanism to translate identity into tangible results. By defining your ideal self, you create a clear guide for your decisions. In any moment of choice, you must consciously ask, "What would the best version of myself do right now?" This question acts as a powerful filter. It compels you to choose actions aligned with that ideal, actions that actively construct the reality you desire.
This is the transformative power of the framework: if you consistently act like your envisioned best self, day after day, you will inevitably become that person. Your identity solidifies through the crucible of repetition. You must follow your personal script like a dedicated actor. The more you inhabit the role, the more authentic it becomes. As your actions align with this new identity, the achievements associated with it, whether in finance, fitness, or relationships, begin to materialize. They are the logical outcome of your daily choices.
Present Actions, Future Realities
An unconventional yet vivid illustration of this principle comes from the animated show Rick and Morty. In one episode, a character touches a stone that reveals the exact manner of his death: as an old man, at peace, beside his lifelong love. Thrilled, he becomes obsessed with preserving this outcome. He realizes that every action, every word, and every decision has the potential to alter this vision. He actively corrects any choice that causes the vision to flicker, ensuring his present actions continuously align with his desired future.
While fantastical, this powerfully demonstrates a fundamental truth: your present actions are actively sculpting your future reality. Your choices today create ripples that determine the events of tomorrow, next year, and even a decade from now. Treat your decisions as if you held that future revealing stone. Constantly ask, "Is this action moving me closer to the reality my best self inhabits, or further away?"
The Framework in Action
Let's examine how this translates into tangible results.
Example 1: Achieving Academic Excellence Your goal is to earn outstanding grades to secure a desirable career or fulfill your academic potential. Your why is clear. Now, apply the framework: "What would the best, most academically successful version of myself do?"
This person pays meticulous attention in class. They dedicate focused time to study daily, separating work from leisure. They recognize that physical health underpins mental performance and care for their body accordingly. They employ effective learning systems, such as rewriting notes and using first principles thinking to deeply understand concepts, not just memorize facts. By changing these inputs, your actions, the output, your grades, must inevitably change.
Example 2: Building Wealth Your goal is to achieve financial success. You ask: "What does the best, wealthiest version of myself do daily?"
This person dedicates time each day to acquiring valuable skills and market knowledge. They work with intensity and focus. They plan meticulously yet act with decisive boldness. They maintain a high level overview of their financial progress and adjust their strategies when results do not manifest. This person also understands that holistic success is interconnected. They prioritize their health for peak energy. They operate with integrity. They surround themselves with inspiring people and environments. They often practice quietness, understanding it can be a form of power.
By changing the inputs, how they allocate their time, what they learn, and who they associate with, they directly influence the output: their financial standing.
Addressing Refinements and Concerns
As you envision your best self, the notion of "realism" may surface. When someone dismisses your goal as unrealistic, they are often projecting their own perceived limitations onto you. A more constructive measure of realism is to ask: Has anyone else achieved this? Did they perhaps start from a more challenging position than I am in now? If the answer is yes, the goal is demonstrably possible. A path exists.
The two most common pitfalls you will face are inconsistency and the initial discomfort of a new identity. To combat inconsistency, start small and be forgiving. If you miss a step, reflect, adjust, and continue. To overcome the awkwardness of a new role, understand that your brain is forging new neural pathways. With repetition, what feels forced will become automatic. Affirmations can reinforce this mental connection.
This approach is rooted in the proven psychology of identity based habits, yet its power lies in its immediate practicality. The more you live as the person you want to be, the more you become that person. Your purpose from Piece 1 provides the fuel, and your identity from Piece 2 provides the vehicle. By becoming the person who would naturally achieve your goals, the achievement itself becomes nearly inevitable.