Who you are is NOT in what you say, it’s in what you DO.
In psychology, we know that our behaviors are consistent with the conception we have of ourselves. The actions we take, not the words we use, best describe what we think of ourselves.
In fact, it is often so apparent, I can accurately know someone’s levels of self-esteem by just watching them for a little while.
Behaviors reflecting self-concept can explain why people find it so hard to change. You see, changing behaviors, even in a positive way, jeopardizes your current identity. And because people want consistent self-images, their behaviors can be difficult to change.
You start off enthusiastically doing things in a new way then, bam, the change in behavior doesn’t stick. You go right back to what you were doing before. Why? Because who you think you are has been threatened.
Action – So, what DO you think of yourself? Are you deserving and worthy of what you pursue? Are you valuable and gifted? If not, it’s time to spend some energy and resources on improving your self-concept.
Only then will new behaviors really stick.