Microshifts & Identity: Small Habits, Big Change

How Microshifts Build Momentum into Your Identity

Let’s talk about identity. Most of us, when we pause for a little self-reflection, can name an area (or five!) where we’d like to improve—whether it’s our health, nutrition, sleep, finances, or relationships. Sometimes, it’s a combination of all the above.

We look around and realize:
“I’m not exactly where I want to be… and I know something has to change. And maybe that something is me.”

That realization? That’s powerful. It means we’ve reached a key stage in the change process—we’re ready for action.

But even when we reach that jumping-off point, it’s not always clear how to start. We know we want to change. We may even know what needs to shift. But the question is—where do we begin?

Step 1: Self-Awareness 💡

First comes the moment of self-awareness. You recognize what you’re currently doing (or not doing) that’s out of alignment with your goals. Maybe you’ve been skipping workouts, staying up too late, or defaulting to old habits that no longer serve you.

That’s OK. Awareness is the starting point. From here, you can begin to map out where you want to go.

Step 2: Ask Yourself—Who Do I Want to Be? 🕵️‍♂️

This is where identity enters the conversation. And yes—it can feel like a big question: Who am I? But it doesn’t need to send you into an existential spiral.

Try this instead:
What kind of person do I want to be?
This simple shift in language makes a huge difference.

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, calls this identity-based habit change. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” you say:

• “I’m someone who eats to nourish my body.”

• “I’m someone who doesn’t miss workouts.”

• “I’m someone who prioritizes rest and recovery.”

Once you identify the type of person you want to become, your habits and daily actions become votes for that identity.

Enter the Microshift

This is where microshifts shine. Microshifts are small, consistent actions you can take each day that support your chosen identity.

These shifts are simple enough to stick with—but powerful enough to build self-efficacy, or your belief in your ability to follow through and achieve goals.

Here’s what’s amazing:
Your brain doesn’t know the difference between completing a small microshift or a massive life overhaul. It simply registers success—and that fuels momentum.

The Microshift Formula for Change:

1. Commit to an identity.
   → I’m someone who values energy, strength, and confidence.

2. Align your actions.
   → I move my body every day, even if it’s just 5 minutes.

3. Repeat small wins daily.
   → Microshifts that build self-trust and create lasting change.

At Walk Along Wellness, we believe identity is everything. That mindset matters. And that when you commit to small, intentional actions—the ripple effect can transform your life.

You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Just start with one microshift. Then another.
And before you know it, you’re not just doing the thing—you’ve become the person who does the thing.

✨ Final Thought

Change doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through small, consistent actions that align with the person you want to become. So, who are you becoming?

💭 Take a moment to reflect: What’s one small action you can take today that supports your desired identity?

📩 We’d love to hear from you! Reply to this email and share the microshift you’re committing to—or forward this post to a friend who’s on a journey of growth, too. Let’s walk this path together.