Belief and Identity: How What You Believe Shapes Who You Become

By Penny Louise

Are our beliefs the architect of our identities? Do the stories we tell ourself about who we are, and what we're capable of, and how the world sees us —shape our reality in profound ways?

Belief can create, and it can destroy. Which is it going to be for you? When you believe something, you unconsciously look for evidence in the world to confirm it. This can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies, emotional triggers, and even the way you perceive others. I'm guilty of this, are you?

You have the power to rewrite your beliefs and, in turn, reshape your identity. In this post, we’ll explore how beliefs shape identity, how to change them, and how to embody the person you want to become—right down to your body language and nervous system.

How Beliefs Shape Identity

Your beliefs are like lenses through which you see the world. If you believe you’re unworthy, you’ll interpret every sideways glance or offhand comment as confirmation.

If you believe you’re capable, you’ll see challenges as opportunities to grow.

This is because the brain loves consistency. It seeks out evidence to confirm what it already believes, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. For example, if you believe, “I’m not good enough,” you’ll unconsciously look for proof—whether it’s a critical comment, a missed opportunity, or a perceived failure.

The same goes for how we perceive others. If we hold someone in high regard, we’re more likely to forgive their off days or empathise with their struggles. But if we dislike someone, we’ll interpret their bad day as further proof of their flaws.

The question is: What identity do you want? What beliefs would support that identity? And how can you start embodying them?

Section 2: The Role of Emotions and Habits

Your identity isn’t just a collection of beliefs—it’s also shaped by your emotions and habits. If you want to become confident, for example, you need to feel confident and act confidently.

Ask yourself:

• What emotions would I feel if I embodied this identity?

• What habits and rituals would support this new version of me?

For instance, if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you might need to cultivate resilience, curiosity, and discipline. You might adopt habits like daily goal-setting, networking, or learning new skills.

But here’s the catch: You can’t just think your way into a new identity. You have to embody it. This is where the nervous system comes into play.

Changing Your Nervous System

Your nervous system is wired based on your past experiences and beliefs. If you’ve spent years believing you’re not cut out for success, your body will default to states of fear, doubt, or hesitation.

To change this, you need to create new neural pathways. This is where state change comes in. State change is about shifting your physical and emotional state to align with the identity you want to embody.

For example:

• Posture: Stand tall, shoulders back, chest open. This signals confidence to your brain.

  
  

• Voice: Speak with clarity and conviction. This reinforces your sense of authority.

  
  

• Movement: Move with purpose and energy. This shifts you out of lethargy and into action.

  
  

When you change your body language, you change your state of being. And when you change your state of being, you change your identity.

Affirmations vs. Incantations

Affirmations are powerful, but they often fall flat because they lack emotional intensity. Saying, “I am successful,” while slumped on the couch feels hollow.

This is where incantations come in. Incantations are affirmations delivered with full emotional and physical intensity. They’re not just words—they’re embodied declarations.

For example:

• Stand in front of a mirror.

• Say, “I am confident,” with power and conviction.

• Feel the words in your body—your posture, your voice, your energy.

The key is consistency. When you attach the words “I am” with enough intensity and repetition, you begin to internalise them. You become them.

The First Step to Change

The first step to changing your beliefs and identity is awareness. Notice the stories you tell yourself. Are they empowering or limiting?

But awareness alone isn’t enough. You also need to take action. Start small:

• Identify one belief you want to change.

• Create a new, empowering belief to replace it.

• Embody this belief through state change, habits, and incantations.

Remember, you are not your past. Just because you didn’t grow up in a family of entrepreneurs doesn’t mean you can’t become one. Success leaves clues, and you have the power to follow them.

Conclusion

Your beliefs shape your identity, and your identity shapes your reality. But you have the power to rewrite your story.

Start by identifying the beliefs that no longer serve you. Replace them with empowering ones. Embody them through state change, habits, and incantations. And most importantly, take action—even if it’s small.

The journey to a new identity begins with a single step. What step will you take today?