Meaningful Motivation Principle 8: Support Identity Shifts

Intentionality is defined as being deliberate or purposeful. When applied to Motivation, it is the act of making our efforts about something that matters to us. In psychology, this is referred to as self-determination, a concept that refers to a person's ability to make choices and manage their own life. It has an impact on motivation—people feel more motivated to take action when they feel that what they do will have an effect on the outcome.

The theory suggests that people are able to become self-determined when their needs for competence (mastery of skills), connection (a sense of belonging), and autonomy (a sense of control over behaviors and goals) are fulfilled.

One of the toughest things about transformation, whether it’s personal, organizational, or societal, is that it asks people to shift their perception of themselves. If I’m accustomed to seeing myself as a slacker, an overeater, or as wasteful, it can feel downright laughable for someone to suggest that I can become diligent, a healthy eater, or thrifty. This is especially true since many of the identities we hold about ourselves have been carried around by us for years, or even a lifetime. And, moreso, we can look at our behaviors and see evidence of the truth of our current identities. 

Studies show that our personal identities impact what we plan to do—and what we actually do. This is true for many different actions, from what we eat to how we spend our free time. When a person is undertaking a change journey, it’s important that you help them shift their perception of not just what they’re doing, but who they are.

So, how do we design experiences that support identity shifts?

Create awareness of Identity Gaps

Studies suggest that when we identify as something we are more likely to practice the behaviors associated with that identity. The more a person repeats their new behaviors, the greater their sense of belief that they can continue those behaviors. While the delta between who we are and who we want to become may be great, visualizing ourselves in that new light can help us bridge the gap. At the start of any change journey, help your client identify how they see themselves now, and what they imagine they’d do or be once their goals have been achieved.

Encourage them to “Be the New Me”

To help your clients build belief, guide them to collect proof points that they are acting into their new identities. I often begin by asking my clients to describe to me the actions they associate with their new identity. Do you want to become an ice skater? What does an ice skater do? She carries skates around, she goes to the rink, she skates. 

The more your client sees the ways in which they exhibit the behaviors of their new aspirational identity, the deeper their authentic sense of belief will become in their ability to embody that identity, and the more likely they’ll be to keep going despite inevitable stumbles.

Foster a sense of belonging

Seeing ourselves as a part of a group changes how we see ourselves. It gives us a sense of belonging, self-worth, and meaning. Studies also show that when we seed aspects of our new identity into other areas of our life, we’re more likely to think of ourselves as that new identity. 

Using the example above, if I’m guiding someone toward a new identity as an ice skater, I might suggest they join a group of people who enjoy skating and talking about skating. In doing so, they may begin to see themselves not just as an ice skater, but as part of a community of skaters. Witnessing other skaters' challenges and successes will also help normalize their own identity and behavioral shifts as they happen.