By Neeti Keswani – Business Storytelling Coach | Ho’oponopono Practitioner | Host of Luxury Unplugged Podcast
What if the secret to becoming your best self wasn’t about doing more…
But simply about being more aligned?
Welcome to another empowering episode of the Luxury Unplugged Podcast—where luxury meets spirituality, and where inner richness reflects outer elegance.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into the powerful and deeply transformative concept of identity shifting—the practice of consciously stepping into a version of yourself that already holds the life, success, and joy you seek.
I’m your host, Neeti Keswani, and this episode is your invitation to stop waiting for external proof and start embodying your next-level self today.
What Is Identity Shifting?
Identity shifting is not about changing your outfit, updating your to-do list, or even rewriting your business plan.
It is the internal decision to assume a new version of yourself—before the world gives you permission.
But let’s go a layer deeper. At its core, identity shifting is the process of intentionally changing your self-concept—the way you see yourself and your beliefs about who you are. It’s about altering your model of reality, your attitude, and your habits and behaviors so they align with the identity of the person you want to become.
If your current identity feels limited, if it doesn’t reflect the life you wish to lead, then this is your sign:
It’s time to shift your identity.
You’re not changing your thoughts temporarily.
You’re embodying a version of yourself that already believes your dream life is not only possible—but inevitable.
Identity isn’t just a collection of traits or the story your ego tells you about yourself. It’s the lens through which you filter every experience, the foundation for your choices, and the silent script behind your daily actions. When you shift your identity, you don’t just change what you do—you change who you are being at the deepest level. This is what unlocks lasting transformation and magnetizes the reality you truly desire.
Discovering the Traits of Your Desired Identity
So, what exactly are “identity traits,” and how do you uncover the ones that truly support your goals?
Identity traits are the collection of attitudes, beliefs, habits, and energetic signatures that define who you are—not just what you do. They are the invisible threads that weave together the story of how you move through the world.
To define identity traits that align with your goal, start by picturing the version of you who already has what you desire. Ask yourself:
Who is living my dream right now, and how do they show up?
Let’s make this tangible:
- What’s their everyday attitude—are they optimistic, resilient, visionary?
- How do they speak to themselves—confidently, compassionately, with grit?
- What kind of energy do they carry into a room—calm assurance, playful curiosity, magnetic leadership?
- How do they connect with others—genuine listening, assertive communication, warmth?
Take inspiration from people you admire—Oprah’s unwavering belief, Serena Williams’ focus, or that friend who radiates calm in chaos. Notice the consistent traits they embody.
Now, jot down these qualities in detail. Instead of broad strokes like “confident” or “successful,” drill down—are they disciplined with their habits, quick to adapt, or relentless in their pursuit of growth?
This is your blueprint—the DNA of your next-level self. The more vividly you articulate these traits, the easier it becomes to inhabit them before anyone else confirms you’ve made the leap.
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Think of It Like Shedding Old Skin
Just like a snake naturally sheds its skin when it’s outgrown, you too must release the outdated versions of yourself.
Who you were yesterday doesn’t have to define who you are becoming today.
The magic of identity shifting is that you begin to live from your future—not your past.
You align with the energy, actions, and mindset of your desired self now, and let the outer world catch up.
Real Life Example: Aisha the Home Baker Turned Luxury Brand
Let’s talk about Aisha, a small business owner running a home-based bakery.
For years, she identified as a modest local baker—serving friends, family, and neighbors.
Her mindset was rooted in humility, limitation, and low pricing.
But deep inside, she carried a powerful dream—
To create a premium cake brand known for elegant design and luxury experiences.
She realized something crucial:
Before the world could see her differently, she had to see herself differently.
So she shifted her identity.
She started telling herself:
- “I am the founder of a luxury dessert brand.”
- “People seek my work for premium events.”
- “I offer experiences, not just cakes.”
But it wasn’t just vague self-talk—Aisha made her affirmations highly specific and tailored to her new vision. Every morning, she repeated statements that matched the identity she wanted to embody, not just the one she had outgrown. She even experimented with the “lofty question” technique (think: “Why is my work in such high demand for luxury weddings?”), which helped her mind search for evidence that her shift was already true.
By crafting these affirmations with intention and detail, she started to rewire her self-image from the inside out.”
As her self-image transformed, so did her outer world:
- Her branding and packaging elevated
- Her pricing reflected her value
- She began collaborating with stylists and event planners
That’s the power of identity shifting.
Your Circle Shapes Your Story
But here’s another hidden lever: the company you keep.
When you’re stepping into a new identity—like Aisha transforming from “neighborhood baker” to “luxury cake artist”—the people around you can either amplify or muffle that change.
Why? Because we’re wired to reflect our environment.
If you regularly connect with friends who believe in your vision and celebrate your growth (think: the kind of folks who’d rave about a Ladurée macaron or discuss the latest Pierre Hermé collaborations), you naturally start acting in alignment with your goals. Their encouragement becomes fuel—helping you stay the course when doubt creeps in.
On the flip side, spending time with naysayers or people fixated on your “old” story can make it twice as hard to make lasting changes. It’s like trying to wear a ballgown to a backyard barbecue—hard to feel confident if you’re surrounded by skeptics.
Practical steps:
- Find mentors, online groups, or industry peers who reflect the identity you’re building.
- Gently create distance from relationships that don’t support your growth.
Surround yourself with believers, and your new identity—no matter how bold—takes root far faster.
The Science & Spirituality Behind It
Identity shifting is rooted in the Law of Assumption, as taught by Neville Goddard:
“Assume the feeling of the wish fulfilled.”
In other words, become the version of yourself that already has the result you desire.
This is not just motivational fluff.
This is also reflected in the Bhagavad Gita:
“As is the feeling, so is the result.”
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, artist, or leader—when you shift your identity, your outer results follow.
What Identity Shifting Really Means
Identity shifting isn’t about erasing your core self or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about consciously choosing who you are in each area of your life—work, relationships, health, creativity—by embracing the mindset and actions of your “future self.” You’re not defined by your past, your current circumstances, or even your old patterns. Instead, you give your subconscious a new, clear target.
- Your identity dictates your results. Who you are determines what you do—and what you do shapes your reality.
- Shifting your identity programs your subconscious. By adopting the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the person who has already achieved your goal, you guide your mind to create that outcome.
- You create resilience. When you’re clear on who you’re becoming, setbacks turn into temporary bumps, not dead ends.
To truly manifest change, you have to “act as if”—inhabit the mindset of the person with the results you want. As Dr. Joe Dispenza puts it, you must “bond with your future.” Think, feel, and behave as if your desired reality is already true. That’s when your outer world starts catching up with your inner world.
Mindfulness: The Bridge to Identity Shifting
Mindfulness is more than a buzzword tossed around in yoga studios or on wellness podcasts. It’s the practical tool that lets you observe your habitual thoughts—those silent stories you tell yourself about who you are, what you’re capable of, and what’s possible. With mindfulness, you don’t just react on autopilot. You become aware of old patterns as they arise, giving you the power to pause, question, and choose differently.
This awareness is pivotal. The more present you are, the more intentionally you can align your actions with the new version of yourself—the one stepping into your vision, not tethered to yesterday’s limitations. Through simple methods like breathwork, meditation (yes, even that free Headspace app sort of counts), or just consciously noticing the world around you, mindfulness lays a foundation for meaningful change—so that the inner shift you cultivate is actually reflected in your outer results.
How Vision Boards Accelerate Identity Shifting
One of the simplest yet most powerful tools for reinforcing your new identity is the vision board. Sure, it might sound cliché—think Oprah, Pinterest marathons, and that dusty stack of old magazines—but the underlying psychology is solid.
By gathering images, words, and symbols that embody your desired reality, you’re giving your subconscious a daily visual cue of who you are becoming. This isn’t just arts and crafts; it’s a tool that trains your mind to identify as the version of yourself who already lives your dream.
Here’s how it works:
- Daily reminder: Each glance at your board serves as a nudge to act in alignment with the person you aspire to be.
- Fuel for your subconscious: The more you see, the more you believe, quietly shifting internal beliefs to match your outward vision.
- Clarifies your focus: It’s easy to get distracted in the swirl of daily life. A vision board brings your desired outcomes—whether it’s launching a business, painting your next masterpiece, or leading your team—front and center.
So, whether you’re channeling your inner Picasso or Steve Jobs, a vision board transforms wishful thinking into embodied action.
Coaching Insight: Who Are You Becoming?
Ask yourself:
- What version of myself am I living from today?
- Am I playing small or stepping into my dream reality?
- Am I waiting for permission, or giving myself the space to evolve?
You don’t need external validation to start becoming your best self.
You need internal permission to begin living as your next-level self, right now.
Spotting—and Shifting—Your Limiting Beliefs
Now, let’s get even more honest: what stories are you telling yourself about why you can’t have what you want?
It’s easy to move through life on autopilot, repeating thoughts and behaviors so familiar, we barely notice them. But this internal script—especially the lines that say “I can’t,” “I’m not ready,” or “That’s just not me”—can quietly sabotage our biggest ambitions.
Let’s bring those hidden scripts into the light:
- What beliefs pop up when you get close to your goal?
- Do you hear yourself thinking, “People like me don’t do this,” or “I’ll probably fail, so why bother”?
- Are you telling yourself that you need more experience, money, or permission from others before you begin?
Remember, awareness is always the first door to real change.
Try this: Jot down every belief or recurring thought you notice around your goal. Don’t edit—just let it spill. It might feel uncomfortable, but discomfort is often the sign that you’re poking at a boundary worth dissolving.
Then, for each belief, ask:
- Is this absolutely true—or is it just a well-practiced story?
- How is clinging to this belief keeping me in place?
- What would I do differently if I believed the opposite?
For example: If you catch yourself cycling the classic “I’m not the entrepreneurial type,” challenge it head-on. What evidence do you actually have? Who determined what ‘type’ succeeds, anyway?
Plenty of now-famous founders—think of Howard Schultz (Starbucks) or Vera Wang—started with doubts and detours, not blueprints.
Treat every limiting belief as an invitation. Refuse to take it at face value, and you start giving yourself permission to redefine what’s possible—on your own terms.
Moving Beyond the Goal: Discover the Identity Beneath
When you look at your goals, don’t just see them as isolated achievements. Instead, ask: Who do I need to become to realize this vision? Instead of focusing on the surface—the shiny end result—dig a little deeper.
Let’s break it down with a few examples:
- Want to earn passive income online? Rather than chasing dollar amounts, step into the shoes of an entrepreneur—a creative problem-solver who builds, learns, and adapts.
- Dream of launching an online course? Shift your focus to embodying the role of an inspiring teacher—someone who shares ideas with clarity and heart.
- Hoping to rebuild a relationship? The real transformation lies in becoming a supportive partner, a good listener, and a source of encouragement.
- Craving more confidence? Practice viewing yourself as the leader in the room—someone others look to for guidance and positive energy.
Try this: the next time you set a goal, pause and ask, What identity does this goal call me to step into? By shifting your focus from what you want to achieve to who you want to become, you align your daily choices with your next-level self—making change not just possible, but inevitable.
Tapping Into Role Models to Shape Your Next-Level Self
Take a moment to think about the people—famous or familiar—who live in ways that spark something in you. What is it about them that resonates? Is it their unwavering confidence, their creative spark, their grit when things get tough, or perhaps the compassion they show others?
By noticing the qualities that inspire you in others—whether it’s Beyoncé’s relentless work ethic, Mr. Rogers’ kindness, or your neighbor’s fearless pursuit of new challenges—you can begin to clarify which values and mindsets you want to nurture within yourself.
Try making a list of these standout qualities. Don’t just jot down big-picture traits like “successful” or “happy”—dig deeper. Get specific about patterns of thought, attitudes, or ways of being. The clearer you are, the easier it becomes to intentionally embody those same qualities, calling them forward as you step into your dream reality.
Your Self-Improvement Practice Starts Today
Here’s how to start identity shifting:
- Visualize Your Higher Self – How do they feel, act, walk, speak?
- Name the Version – “I am a sought-after coach.” “I am a bestselling author.”
- Act Accordingly – Upgrade your environment, habits, and language.
- Feel the Shift – Internalize the emotions of success, peace, and confidence.
But don’t stop there—this isn’t about a one-time affirmation or a fleeting burst of motivation. You create lasting change by making these qualities and behaviors habits, woven into your daily life.
“Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become.”
—James Clear, Atomic Habits
Practical Ways to Live Your New Identity
- Pick one small habit that aligns with your chosen self and commit to it daily for the next month. What’s one action that feels like a stretch, but not a leap?
- Can’t do it every day? Aim for five days a week. Consistency matters more than perfection.
- If you slip up, don’t spiral into self-criticism—just do something that day, even the smallest aligned action. And if a day gets away from you, make it your rule: never miss two in a row.
- Track your progress: Use a simple calendar or checklist to mark off each day you embody your new identity. Small wins compound.
- Repeat your identity statement—say it to yourself each morning and night. This keeps your new self front and center.
- Visualize it: Spend a few moments seeing yourself living as this version of you. Feel it, believe it, and let it guide your choices.
You’ll begin to notice that the world mirrors back who you’re being—not who you’ve been.
Journaling Prompts to Anchor Your New Identity
To help you move from intention to transformation, grab your favorite notebook (maybe the one that makes you feel extra inspired) and try these practical exercises:
- Clarify Your Goal: Ask yourself, “What is the one change I want to see most in my life right now?” Jot down your answer in as much vibrant detail as possible. The clearer the vision, the stronger the pull.
- Spot the Old Patterns: Get honest—what stories or habits have you been carrying that keep you tied to your old identity? List the beliefs or routines that crowd your mind when you think about your goal.
- Identify the New You: Imagine someone who has already achieved what you want. How do they approach their mornings? What’s their internal pep talk? Describe their attitude, choices, and self-care moves, then add a few of your own.
- Create Your Identity Affirmation: Come up with a short statement that sums up your chosen self. It might sound like, “I am a calm leader who brings out the best in everyone I meet,” or, “I am the friend people turn to for wisdom and a real laugh.” Make it yours.
- Act-As-If Challenge: Each day, pick one small action your new self would take—a way of speaking, a book they’d read, how they might handle a tricky situation. Try it out and note how you feel.
- Reflect on Your Progress: End each week by reviewing your notebook. Where did you notice even the faintest shift? Celebrate the tiniest wins—they add up.
With regular practice, these prompts create a roadmap for becoming the person you’re visualizing. Don’t rush; give yourself permission to experiment, adjust, and, most importantly, enjoy the process.
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Mapping Your New Identity to Daily Life
Let’s translate your chosen identity into action. Picture that future version of yourself moving through a typical day. What choices would they make? How would they show up?
- Daily Habits: They’re probably starting their day with intention—a morning walk, journaling, or ten minutes of meditation (coffee in hand, of course). They nurture both body and mind.
- Responses to Challenges: When stress knocks, they respond with patience and curiosity, not panic. Problems become puzzles, not roadblocks.
- Projects and Work: Their calendar includes bold, meaningful projects—starting that podcast, writing that book, or pitching clients who light them up.
- Events and Activities: Instead of waiting for opportunities, they RSVP ‘yes’ to networking events, join masterminds, or volunteer at gatherings that build connections.
- Social Interactions: In conversations, they listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage others. They surround themselves with people who celebrate ambition and growth.
Excellence, for this version of you, means consistently taking small actions that align with what you care about most. Bit by bit, you close the gap between who you are and who you’re becoming.
Practice and Repetition: The Engine of Transformation
Here’s the simple truth: becoming the person you envision is much less about a single breakthrough moment and far more about consistent, ongoing practice.
Repetition is how your new identity sticks. Every time you choose the thoughts, actions, and habits of your “higher self,” you reinforce those neural pathways, just as a musician refines a song or an athlete perfects a technique.
- Small Actions, Big Impact: Start by incorporating daily choices—however minor—that align with your desired identity. Order the healthier meal, introduce yourself with confidence, carve out five minutes to meditate. These aren’t grand gestures; they’re signals to your subconscious about who you are becoming.
- Resist Perfectionism: The goal isn’t flawless execution. Progress unfolds through tiny, everyday shifts. Each repetition—each “practice session”—creates cumulative change.
- Cultivate Self-Awareness: Notice your old patterns and gently redirect yourself. Every opportunity is another brushstroke painting your new reality.
Just as a basketball player improves with every shot, or a writer sharpens their skills with every page, so too do you shape your new identity with every intentional act. Over time, the “practice” becomes your natural state.
Remember: your present self is made from yesterday’s habits, and your future self will emerge from the rhythm of what you practice, day in and day out.
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Navigating Resistance and Low Motivation
So, what happens when you hit that inevitable wall—when motivation flatlines or resistance starts talking louder than your best intentions? Rather than letting that old version of yourself win the day, here’s the move:
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and call to mind your new identity statement—yes, the one you named earlier. Affirm it to yourself, out loud or in your head. Channel that energy, and then—crucially—choose just one small action that aligns with your higher self.
It doesn’t have to be grand or Instagram-worthy. Whether it’s sending a single email, putting on your running shoes, or spending two minutes journaling, let that micro-action add a brick to your new identity. Small, but mighty. Consistency is the magic.
The Power of Mastering One Aligned Action
Instead of overwhelming yourself with a dozen new habits, consider the simple brilliance of mastering just one aligned action each day. Focusing your energy on a single meaningful step does more than build momentum—it cultivates a sense of accomplishment and clarity.
When you consistently show up for your “one thing,” a few key benefits unfold:
- Sustainable Progress: By zeroing in on one behavior, you avoid burnout and create lasting change, not just a short-lived surge of motivation.
- Increased Confidence: Each small victory signals to your brain that transformation is possible, building self-trust.
- Compounding Impact: Over time, layering one new practice at a time adds up, much like steady deposits growing with interest in a savings account.
With this approach, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re gradually becoming the person you’ve always envisioned, step by simple step.
Making Change Stick: How to Build Lasting Habits
Establishing new habits isn’t about a massive overhaul overnight—it’s about practical, sustainable shifts. If you want to turn new actions and behaviors into second nature, here’s what works:
- Start Small, Go Steady
- Choose just one action or behavior you want to embody—something that feels possible, not overwhelming. Commit to this “one thing” daily for a few weeks. This way, you’re more likely to build consistency instead of burning out.
- Consistency Over Perfection
- Missing a day? No big deal—just aim never to miss two days in a row. It’s progress, not perfection, that rewires your habits.
- Track and Celebrate Progress
- Use a habit tracker, calendar, or simple checklist. Ticking off your completed action each day adds a powerful sense of achievement and keeps momentum going.
- Anchor With Reminders
- Each morning and night, remind yourself of the identity you’re stepping into. Repeat your personal “I am” statements out loud (or in your head) to reinforce what you’re building.
- See Yourself Succeeding
- Visualization isn’t just daydreaming. Take a moment to picture yourself fully embracing this new action, living it out, and feeling what it’s like to be that upgraded version of you.
By focusing on one manageable action at a time, backing it with intention, and sprinkling in self-compassion, you’ll find that, little by little, these behaviors become ingrained—and you start seeing evidence of your new identity in your everyday life.
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Bouncing Back from Setbacks
Missed a day? Welcome to the club—perfection isn’t required for transformation, just consistency and self-kindness. If you slip up, give yourself a pat on the back for noticing (that’s awareness, after all) and resist the urge to spiral into self-blame.
Instead, revisit your list of identity-aligned actions. Pick one small step—even if it’s just five minutes—that you can take before bedtime to reconnect with your new self. Can’t squeeze it in? No problem. Just commit to showing up again tomorrow, making it a personal rule to never let two days slip by in a row.
Remember: progress is built on gentle course-correction, not punishment.
Celebrate Every Win Along the Way
Acknowledging your progress—no matter how minor—is essential during identity shifting. When you pause to celebrate even the smallest steps, you signal to your mind that change is happening and truly possible. This isn’t just feel-good fluff; research shows that small victories boost motivation, keep you moving through resistance, and help you build the emotional momentum needed for bigger transformations.
Consider it like earning achievement badges in a game or leveling up in your favorite app—each mini-milestone cements a little more belief in your new identity. Consistent celebration helps your brain link positive emotion to your growth journey, making each next step feel a little less daunting and a lot more rewarding.
Remember, it’s these micro-successes that eventually stack up to the massive shifts you’re after.
Keep Score and Watch Yourself Grow
Why bother tracking your progress? Because self-transformation isn’t a guessing game—it’s a journey best measured, not just imagined. By jotting down your daily wins (even the tiny ones), you give yourself a visible record of change. Think of it like athletes marking personal bests or bestselling authors setting word count goals.
These checkmarks and tallies do more than fill a page—they build momentum, remind you of your commitment, and make your transformation real. Plus, seeing your streaks grow is a quiet confidence boost on the trickier days. This simple habit helps turn fleeting motivation into lasting identity change.
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Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to rewrite your inner story, reshape your energy, and realign your identity with your dreams—I’ve created something for you:
Download my free Best Version Blueprint
It’s linked in the description and filled with practical spiritual and psychological tools to help you:
- Align your mindset
- Shift your energy
- Take action from your future self
But here’s the real secret: your life is a story, and you are the author. If your current story doesn’t feel like the one you want to live, you have every right—and all the power—to start writing a new one. Shifting your identity is the key to unlocking your wildest ambitions and consciously designing a life that excites you at every level.
Start by choosing a major goal that lights you up. Then ask yourself: Who do I need to become to achieve this? Identify the qualities, habits, and mindset of that version of you. Picture yourself taking action as if you were already that person. The more you align your thoughts and behaviors with this new identity, the faster your outer world will begin to reflect the change.
This is the inner work that delivers real-world transformation. Start today, and watch how quickly your future begins to align with your truest desires.
Final Words from Neeti
Here at Luxury Unplugged, we believe that true luxury is internal.
It’s not about accumulation.
It’s about alignment.
When you shift your identity, you don’t just change your results—you change your relationship with life itself.
So the next time you feel stuck, unsure, or small…
Ask yourself not “What should I do?” but “Who am I being?”
Because when you BE differently, you LIVE differently.
And that, my friend, is the first step of self-improvement—reinvention from the inside out.
About Neeti Keswani
I’m Neeti Keswani, Business Storytelling Coach, Ho’oponopono Practitioner, and host of Luxury Unplugged Podcast.
I help conscious entrepreneurs, professionals, and creators align their identity, mindset, and story to build brands—and lives—rooted in authenticity, purpose, and inner clarity.
Here at Luxury Unplugged, we talk about the elegance of alignment, the power of presence, and the art of becoming.
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