Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: Transforming Your Self-Perception

Have you ever woken up one morning and noticed how your routine unfolds automatically? You probably get up on the same side of the bed, grab your phone, or head to the bathroom in the same way. You brush your teeth with the same hand. Joe Dispenza, in his book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, explains that these repetitive behaviors are driven by neural pathways built over time.

But it’s not just our morning routine that operates on autopilot. Our perception of ourselves does too. We unconsciously rehearse the same stories about who we are, our capabilities, and how we fit into the world. Making this all the more complex, it's not a conscious choice—it’s simply how our brain clings to familiarity.

The Unconscious Habit of Self-Identity

Even after making tangible changes, we may still identify with an outdated version of ourselves. This doesn’t stem from a conscious decision to remain stuck. Rather, our brains naturally hold onto what they know best. For instance, if you have spent years believing you’re bad with money, you might still feel financially insecure, even after saving consistently for a year. Similarly, if you’ve seen yourself as unhealthy for most of your life, just two weeks of consistent workouts might not change your self-perception.

These patterns are not just action habits but also thought habits. Our brains are wired to keep us safe and predictable; thus, they recycle old narratives, even when those narratives no longer match our current reality.

A New Approach to Self-Perception

The good news is that, just as habits can be changed with practice, so can our self-perception. The first step is awareness—recognizing that the way you see yourself might need updating. Notice when you catch yourself thinking, "I’m that person who doesn’t exercise," or "I’m always broke." These thoughts might not actually reflect your current state of being.

Identity is a Fluid Concept

There’s a memorable moment in the movie Hitch where a character nervously states, “These shoes aren’t really me…” to which Hitch responds, “You are a very fluid concept right now. You bought the shoes. You look great in the shoes.”

While it’s light and humorous, it holds a deep truth. We often forget that who we are isn’t fixed. Just like those shoes, the new habits we’re trying on—be it hitting the gym, managing money wisely, or practicing self-kindness—might initially feel strange. But they are already part of us. We chose them. We bought the shoes.

The unfamiliar feeling doesn’t indicate something is wrong; it simply means the new behavior hasn’t become second nature yet. Growth means continuing to show up, even when it feels awkward. Eventually, what once felt new becomes your new normal.

How to Break the Habit of Being Yourself

1. Acknowledge Your Growth: Take a moment to write down three ways you’ve evolved in the past year. Have you become more consistent with self-care? Have you taken steps to improve your finances? Allow yourself to visualize these positive changes.

2. Challenge Your Story: When you catch yourself thinking in outdated ways, pause and ask, "Is this true?" Reflect on the evidence that supports your new identity.

3. Create a New Identity Statement: Instead of repeating old patterns, consciously choose affirmations that match who you’re becoming. For instance, say, "I am committed to my health," or "I am responsible with my money." Repeat these daily, especially when old stories begin to creep in.

   
   

Embrace the New Version of You

Transformation isn’t merely about changing habits—it’s about changing how we see ourselves. Just like waking up on the same side of the bed, our brains naturally gravitate toward familiar narratives. However, when we become conscious of these stories and intentionally choose new ones, we create the space to realize our authentic growth.

Are you ready to see yourself with fresh eyes? Share one way you’ve grown recently in the comments below! Or DM me to explore how to fully embrace the new you.

Namaste,

Heather

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Remember, transformation is an ongoing journey. Embrace it and allow yourself to grow into the person you aspire to be!