How to Become a Different Version of Yourself: Identity-Based Transformation
Apr 30, 2025
How to Become a Different Version of Yourself: The Power of Shifting Your Identity
Welcome to another transformative journey with Restored Minds! In this blog, we’re diving deep into a life-changing concept: how to become a different version of yourself by shifting your identity. Whether you’re looking to overcome OCD, anxiety, chronic stress, or make a major change in your life, understanding and applying this principle can be the missing piece to your transformation.
Understanding Identity Shifts and Why They Matter
Many of us believe that lasting change starts with our actions or environment. But Matt—the founder of Restored Minds—reveals a powerful truth: real change starts with how you see yourself (your identity).
You Are Not Your Current Circumstances
Matt shares candidly about his own journey with OCD and anxiety. He explains that while he did experience these challenges in the past, he consciously chose not to identify as someone with OCD or anxiety anymore. This doesn’t mean he never experiences fear or intrusive thoughts—those are part of being human. What matters is not labeling yourself by your symptoms.
Key Takeaway:
“You can’t continue to see yourself as the person that has [the problem] in order to transform into someone who doesn’t.”
The Self-Perpetuating Loop: Why Change Feels So Hard
Often, we let our current reality reinforce our self-image. For example, someone struggling with homelessness or weight may let their situation define who they are. This creates a self-perpetuating loop, making it challenging to break free.
Matt illustrates this with a relatable example:
If someone is homeless, using their current reality as evidence that they are (and always will be) homeless only keeps them stuck. The path to change? Start seeing yourself as someone who is NOT homeless, even before your outer world reflects that.
Steps To Shifting Your Identity
The process of transformation isn’t about ignoring reality—it’s about aligning your self-concept with where you want to be. Here’s how:
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Visualize the new you: Clearly picture the version of yourself who has already achieved your goal—someone who overcomes anxiety, maintains a healthy weight, or has found stability.
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Behave as that person would: Begin taking actions aligned with your new identity—even if it feels strange at first.
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Detach from your old label: Stop validating your identity with current symptoms or circumstances. Instead, align your beliefs and behaviors with your desired outcome.
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Stay consistent: Reality catches up as you consistently act from this new identity over time.
“You have to embody the identity, the self-concept, the self-belief of ‘I’m going to become someone who doesn’t have this’.”
Why Identity Shifts Work in Overcoming OCD, Anxiety, and Stress
For those struggling with OCD, anxiety, or chronic stress, the core issue isn’t intrusive thoughts—it’s the resistance to these thoughts and the chronic identification with. The key is to become someone who knows how to handle thoughts and feelings constructively, instead of getting caught in the loop.
Practical Example: The Transformation Path
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See yourself as someone who can change.
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Start making small improvements (e.g., joining a gym, applying for jobs, learning coping skills).
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Behave in alignment with your envisioned self, even before external changes fully manifest.
The same principle applies whether your goal is mental health recovery, weight loss, or financial stability.
Start Your Identity Transformation Today
Shifting your identity is not the only step to becoming your best self, but it’s an essential part of the process. To support your journey, Matt offers a range of resources, including the Feel Better Letter, a free weekly newsletter packed with exclusive tips and access to live coaching events.
๐ Sign up for the Feel Better Letter and take your first step toward lasting transformation.
Restored Minds is committed to helping you break free from limiting beliefs and patterns. Remember:
Transformation happens from the inside out. See the change, be the change, and your life will follow.
For more insights and practical resources on overcoming anxiety, OCD, and stress, visit RestoredMinds.com
