If you’ve ever been in a situation where you wanted to create change for yourself, like losing weight or starting an exercise routine, but you just couldn’t bridge the gap or stick to it, you have to listen to today’s episode of Life after Kids. In this episode, we’re discussing the key thing needed to create lasting change in midlife, and that’s our identity, or how we see ourself. And, we provide examples of how our self-perception can affect our ability to achieve our goals.Key Takeaways:Our behaviors and circumstances must align with our identity for lasting change to occur.Self-perception and identity can impact our ability to achieve goals.Awareness of our identities and intentional action are key to changing our identity.To create change, first identify how you see yourself now.  Then identify who you want to becomeRemember that in order to create lasting change, our actions and identity must align. This is also a powerful piece to true happiness. Our identity even plays a role in how we age.  Choose to see yourself as youthful, vibrant, energetic, strong, and capable!  Make this your identity!  Learn more by listening to this week’s full episode of Life after Kids.   And if you want an even deeper dive, check out The Life after Kid Purpose Courses-Understand Yourself and Your Strengths to Find More PurposeDiscover What You Do Best For More Meaning and PurposeTimestamp Summary | [0:00:00]  | Introduction to the topic of identity and circumstances | [0:00:23]  | Importance of aligning behaviors with identity for sustainable change | [0:02:36]  | Example of weight loss and identity alignment | [0:04:40]  | Starting point: Identify current self and desired self | [0:06:11]  | Identities influenced by role models and upbringing | [0:07:34]  | Discussion on aging and identity | [0:08:51]  | Insights from women in their 70s on aging | [0:09:18]  | Conclusion and wrap-up of the discussion | 0:09:17  | Age and identity | 0:11:01  | Importance of knowing who you are | 0:12:46  | Shaping identities for children | 0:14:23  | Importance of self-affirmation | 0:15:38  | Changing identity through intentional action | 0:16:21  | Developing habits to change identity | 0:17:34  | Importance of self-affirmation | 0:18:05  | The power of words and cognitive dissonance | 0:18:05  | Dr. Brooke talks about the importance of positive affirmations. | 0:18:25  | Dr. Lynn discusses cognitive dissonance and the brain's desire to prove oneself right.  Enjoy the show, and we hope you learn a little bit more about living a fulfilling, vibrant, and meaningful Life after Kids! If you like what you hear please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe, and pass it along to a friend. Making tomorrow even better than today, Dr. Brooke and Dr. Lynne PS... Don't forget to follow us! Instagram Facebook Tik Tok