When do I know it's time for an identity transformation?

When it comes to identity transformations, timing is everything.

If you've been following along this week with the What, Who, How and Why of Identity Thoughts, you'll know that there is no forcing a shift in identity. That means that the timing is going to be uniquely different for each of us, but there's a few things that pop up on the radar to let us we're ready.

Before we get to when the timing is starting to get just right, there's an even more important list around timing. The NOT Ready list. If we're going to allow the new identity to drop in, we can't force it. This list has helped me slow down when I start to force things.

When is the timing NOT right for an identity transformation?

• When I feel like I'm at rock bottom
• When someone else wants me to change
• When my old identity still serves me or has more to teach me
• When I'm coming from a negative energy state or feeling depressed

We want to be intentional about the design of our new identity.

Our identity is at the very core of who we are. It greatly influences how we interact with the world, our beliefs, our actions and our essence. When done right, uncovering our new identity is part discovery, creation, aspiration and alignment. And in order to do that properly, it makes sense to check in with ourselves first to see if we're up to the task.

Here's the trickiest and most paradoxical part of timing. The people who are most in need of a transformation of identity are most often not actually ready for the change to happen.

As an example. Tony Robbins, a true master of producing identity transformations, is not able to force a transformation when someone isn't already willing and able at some level. He's able to help life long smokers quit in an instant, help people with massive trauma forgive and move forward, and help a lost 20-something John begin his journey of entrepreneurship. But. The people who Tony work with were ready for the shift in identity. They raised their hand to say, "Ok, this may be a little weird, but I'll try this Robbins guy and see what he's all about." Even if only the tiniest part of them was ready and even if it was at a subconscious level, the time was right. But even Tony, with all of his mastery and tools and techniques, can't change someone who doesn't want to change and who isn't ready.

And with that setup, we are now ready to dig into when it's actually time for a transformation of identity.

• When I feel like I'm being pulled by my vision or North Star to step up to a new level
• When there's a challenge, obstacle or problem that my current identity can't solve
• When my old identity is tired, played out, not longer fits, is too heavily influenced or designed by others, and/or it's compromised
• When I've accepted a current rock bottom and am ready for the ascent
• When the game changes

When it's time, it's time. You'll know it. And when it's not time, you'll know that too.

Trust yourself. This is your identity, and only you know know when it's time to change.

The identity shift I've been going through is over a year in the making. It was not easy. There were many false starts during that time where I had to tell myself, "Not yet." My trust in self was tested, but we got here. And it feels amazing. Now. That the time is right.

If you want help in thinking about your timing, reach out. I'm here for you. It lights me up to see people step into a new identity who's time has come, and the world certainly needs more of that these days.