Identity-Based Motivation and Cultural Context
Have you ever thought about how much of what you do is shaped by who you believe you are? When you think, I’m the type of person who…, that identity guides your choices more than you might realize. Identity-based motivation is the idea that the way we see ourselves—our sense of “who we are”—is deeply tied to what we do, what we aim for, and whether we follow through on our goals.
But here’s the twist: not all the beliefs we hold about ourselves come from within. Many of them are handed to us by our families, our culture, and the world around us. And sometimes, those inherited beliefs push us toward something that feels empowering—but other times, they hold us back.
The Power of Identity
Imagine you’re someone who identifies as “a health-conscious person.” When you see a choice between a salad and a burger, that identity nudges you toward the salad. Not because you’re forcing yourself to eat it, but because it aligns with who you see yourself to be.
Now flip that. What if you’ve never thought of yourself as someone who values health? That same choice feels very different. It’s not just about what you want to eat—it’s about what fits with your sense of self.
The takeaway? Your identity doesn’t just influence your actions; it defines what feels natural, what feels hard, and what feels possible.
Inherited Beliefs: A Double-Edged Sword
Let’s take it a step further. Your identity isn’t created in a vacuum. A lot of what you believe about yourself comes from your environment—your family, culture, and community.
For example:
- If you grew up in a family where hard work was highly valued, you might see yourself as someone who always pushes through challenges.
- If your culture emphasizes the importance of caregiving, you might identify as someone who prioritizes others over yourself.
These beliefs can be empowering. They can push you toward goals and habits that feel meaningful. But they can also limit you.
Think about this: What happens if your inherited identity doesn’t match the life you want to create? If you’ve always seen yourself as “not athletic,” it might feel impossible to start a fitness routine—even if it’s something you want. If your family values financial security above all else, you might struggle to pursue a creative career that feels truer to who you are.
Bridging the Gap Between Identity and Action
Here’s where things get interesting. When our actions don’t align with our identity, we feel discomfort. Symbolic Self-Completion Theory suggests that we’ll work harder to close that gap.
For example, let’s say you see yourself as “a dedicated parent,” but you’ve been feeling stretched thin and not as present with your kids as you’d like. That gap between your identity and your actions might push you to plan a family game night or take your kids on a special outing.
This effort to bridge the gap can be powerful—if it’s guided by awareness. The challenge is when we overcompensate without addressing the root of the issue. In the parenting example, maybe the deeper problem isn’t just time, but boundaries. Understanding the why behind your goals and actions can help you align them more effectively with your true identity.
Rewriting Your Identity
If your current identity doesn’t align with the life you want, here’s the good news: identities aren’t set in stone. You can rewrite the story you tell yourself about who you are.
Start with three words that describe the person you want to be. Maybe they’re:
- Strong
- Creative
- Kind
Now, think about the actions that reflect those qualities. For instance:
- Strong: “I want to walk 10 minutes every day to feel capable in my body.”
- Creative: “I want to journal for 5 minutes each morning to reconnect with my ideas.”
- Kind: “I want to check in on a friend this week and see how they’re doing.”
By taking actions that align with your desired identity, you start to reinforce that identity. Over time, those small actions build into a new sense of self.
The Balance of Past and Present
Changing your identity isn’t about erasing where you’ve come from. It’s about finding balance. Ask yourself:
- What beliefs have I inherited from my family or culture?
- Which of those beliefs still feel true to me?
- Which ones feel limiting or outdated?
For example, if you grew up believing that rest is lazy, you might struggle to prioritize downtime. But if you now value self-care as part of a healthy lifestyle, you can start reframing rest as a sign of strength and balance, not weakness.
It’s not about rejecting your past—it’s about evolving it to fit the person you’re becoming.
Takeaway
Who you believe you are shapes what you do. And while some parts of your identity are inherited, others are yours to create.
To align your goals with your identity, start small. Pick one word that represents the person you want to be—like “resilient” or “thoughtful.” Then ask yourself: What’s one action I can take this week to live out that word?
Remember, your identity isn’t fixed. It grows with you, step by step, action by action. So take a moment to reflect on who you are and who you want to become. Then begin to bridge the gap.
Because when your actions align with your identity, anything feels possible.