Changing Your Identity: How to Rewrite Your Life Narrative for Success - Part 2

Hey there!

This blog is Part 2 of how to rewrite your life narrative for success. If you haven't read part 1 yet you really should before you dig into this blog post, as they build on each other. But you know...I can't tell you what to do. ;-)

Understanding Your Current Story

According to the Theory of Narrative Identity, developed by scholar and researcher Dr. Dan McAdams, humans create their identity by integrating their life experiences into an internalized, evolving story of themselves.

Before embarking on the journey to rewrite your life's narrative, it's essential to first identify and understand your current narrative. This means taking time to scrutinize the tales you've been recounting to yourself and others. It involves delving into the patterns and convictions that have influenced your life, discerning which ones you wish to retain and which ones you aim to revise or kick to the curb. This takes dedication and self awareness. A therapist is often a helpful sidekick as you embark on this journey.

To start, set aside a little alone time. Get a cozy blanket, your favorite beverage, and journal

answers to the following questions:

• What overarching themes have defined my life thus far?

• What triumphs and setbacks have shaped my journey?

• In what aspects have I frequently encountered obstacles?

• What recurring patterns show up in my life narrative?

• Which beliefs have hindered my progress?

It is very important to remove self-judgement from this process because it will only get in the way. Commit to being kind and compassionate to the past versions of yourself that make up your life story - they were not perfect, but they survived and got you to where you are today. That is worth honoring.

Once you've gained clarity on your existing narrative, you can commence the transformative task of rewriting it.

Rewriting Your Life's Narrative

Now that you have identified your current narrative, it's time to embark on reshaping your life story. Once again, you will need that journal and a quiet place to reflect.

Envision your ideal life

Take a moment to imagine the life you truly desire.

• What achievements do you aspire to?

• What lifestyle do you envision?

• How much money do you have?

• Are you working? Not working? What are you doing?

• Who are you with?

• Where are you?

Define your goals clearly and vividly picture the life you're striving for. Write it down in present tense, as if it has already happened and is happening right now. Try just writing down what a day would look like in your ideal life. Once written, keep this narrative somewhere that will encourage you to read it regularly. Reading it regularly will help you embody it in reality.

Set actionable goals

Once you have a vision of your ideal life, it is time to start taking aligned action. Break down your vision into tangible objectives. Establish small, achievable steps to move closer to your ideal life. Commit to taking consistent actions that align with your goals.

Embrace change

So easy to say, so hard to do, but this is a non-negotiable. The current version of you isn't ready for your ideal life, so change has to happen within you, which can be scary for many people. You will experience less fear and frustration if you let go of your current circumstances and embrace the process of transformation that comes with rewriting your life story. Embrace the uncertainty and growth that change brings, and view it as an opportunity for personal development. It is helpful to remind yourself that whatever happens (even crap) is for your highest good and is putting you on the timeline to your ideal life narrative.

Your new life will cost you your old one.

Celebrate progress

Acknowledge and celebrate every step forward you take. Recognize your accomplishments, no matter how small, and use them as fuel to propel you further towards your goals. Remember - you are training your brain just like you would train a dog, so positive reinforcement is encouraged. Look at your list of goals. Can you add rewards to each of them that you will get once they are accomplished? They don't have to be big rewards - when I finally paid off my student loan, I bought myself a hover board and opened a bottle of champagne. 😆

Seven Strategies for Crafting a Fresh Narrative

Crafting a new narrative for your life can feel like a monumental task, and it is an elephant, but we all know the best way to eat an elephant is bite by bite. Here are seven strategies to guide you in creating a more optimistic, purposeful, and genuine life story:

1. Become 'ok' with mistakes: Yes yes I know nobody in this profession is ok with mistakes because our mistakes are costly, but they don't call it veterinary perfect. They call it veterinary practice. Do your best to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and insight. Let them serve as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

2. Cultivate gratitude: Gratitude/appreciation really truly is a superpower that you want to incorporate into your daily life. Here is a blog post I wrote that can help you understand the power of gratitude.

3. Live deliberately: Be intentional in your actions and mindful of the choices you make. Ensure that your decisions align with who you are becoming, not who you were.

4. Dare to take risks: Step outside your comfort zone and embrace uncertainty. Taking calculated risks can lead to remarkable growth and opportunities for learning.

5. Release the past: While the past holds valuable lessons, clinging to it can hinder your progress. Release any regrets or resentments, and focus on living in the present moment. This can be ridiculously difficult for some people (I've been there) but it is critical to moving forward on a new timeline. If you can't let go, get help.

6. Trust in yourself: Have faith in your abilities and your capacity to shape your own destiny. Believe in your potential, and take decisive action towards realizing your dreams.

When rewriting your narrative consistency, present-moment awareness, patience with yourself, and having clearly defined goals are all key. There is a lot to unpack in this post, and if you are really serious about rewriting your life's narrative to tell a story of fulfillment, joy, peace, fun, adventure, love, connection, and success, then I recommend bookmarking this post and coming back to it to remind yourself.

And, as I said in part1of this blog series, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you are tempted to fall back into old habits or patterns that you no longer want, or you want to give in and throw in the towel, try saying to yourself, "But that's not who I am anymore."

Take it one day at a time - don't worry about tomorrow or yesterday. If you focus on making this day good, then you will find that you will start to have a series of good days. Line up enough good days and now you have a good life. :-)

From our slightly scandalous hearts to yours,

Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ and the Vets Against Insanity Crew 😆