CHALLENGE & IDENTITY

Why do we call it a Challenge?

When we become aware, then decide, and then commit to making a lifestyle change—of any type—it’s always going to start with one thing: FRICTION.

It will be a challenge—aka doing something hard and outside of our comfort zone—which will require FOCUS, PRESENCE, and… WORK. Yes, there are rare occasions when people can flip the switch like lightning, but most of the time, that’s not the case.

Here’s the ultimate goal: You get stronger. You get braver. You rewire your brain and change your mindset and your behaviors.

And the reward is lasting and meaningful because it wasn’t just handed to you. It was preceded by effort.

I don’t take the last part lightly—changing your behaviors. It is extremely difficult to change any behavior—destructive or not. Old habits are hard to break because they’re familiar and therefore feel safe. In the same way, new habits are hard to build because they’re unfamiliar. They require extra thought, energy, and output to incorporate, and often don’t feel safe at all.

Challenges in the wellness and nutrition world are often marked by a clear beginning and a defined endpoint. I believe this is an important feature in goal-setting and behavior change because, psychologically, we’re more likely to stay focused and committed when we can see a finish line. Landmarks matter.

But here’s the catch: the Challenge doesn’t end at that point. And it shouldn’t have to be repeated over and over.

What was once a challenge should eventually transform into a lifestyle. But in order to reach that transformation, we must address our behaviors and our identity.

We can’t just put in the work, “dial it in,” and think that just because we made it through a few hard weeks, we’ll automatically be rewarded forever. It doesn’t work that way. Your body may have changed, and your routine may be different. But if your mindset and identity haven’t shifted, the old version of you is still in control. If all we’ve done is achieve the physical transformation we wanted—if our body composition has changed—it doesn’t automatically mean we’re a brand new person.

“I worked hard, got the reward, and now I just get to keep it. The end.”

Nope. That’s not how it works.

You can’t just deep-clean your house once and expect it to stay clean forever, right? There will always be constant tidying to do.

It’s Not the End—It’s the Beginning.

Who are you now? Who have you become?

Are you the same person, still holding onto the same identity and behaviors you had before the challenge began? Or have you done the deeper work? That is what determines your path moving forward.

Have you built your identity on external factors—things that are fragile, limited, and easily threatened?

Or have you built your identity on internal foundations—limitless, grounded, unshakable; set upon a firm foundation?

You might have to change your definition of identity.

Identity is a verb, not a noun. It’s not a title—it’s a choice you make every single day.

A choice to work hard to constantly learn new skills. To keep working when things don’t come easily the first time you try. And, to help others learn, too.

Get Really Honest About Your Effort—And Many Things Will Be Revealed.

What does it mean to shift your identity into effort? It means choosing to be the kind of person who WILL put in the work, not just claim a static title.

-You’re the kind of person who can identify and then put in the work needed to move better and be athletic.

-You’re the kind of person who can identify and then put in the work needed to have internal boundaries when external circumstances are filled with temptation or chaos.

-You’re the kind of person who can identify and then put in the work needed to put one foot in front of the other and take the next step… and then another… and another.  

-You’re the kind of person who can identify and then put in the work needed to confront fear and stand up to resistance saying, “Bring it on,” because you have faith that fear gets smaller when you stand your ground.

Believe in yourself—that you can be that person. But also know: you have to do the work to uphold that- to become and REMAIN that person. It takes real, consistent action.

And if your identity is built on effort, resilience, and consistency you’ll adapt to the guaranteed roadblocks, unpredictable shifts, and unanticipated obstacles.

You’ll pivot.

You’ll keep going.

Plan A.... Plan B...... And sometimes even plan C if necessary.

Failures will happen but they don't have to mean loss or defeat. They can mean data, direction, and growth. And you can remain unshaken because you are not a victim of your circumstances. You make things happen.

Put your identity and the reward in the process—in the pursuit of your highest potential. Face the challenge of becoming someone better both now AND for the long run.

The Challenge Never Stops---But It Should Evolve.

 If you do more than go through the motions just to finish—if you focus on real behavior change, develop transferable skills, and cultivate a resilient identity based on effort to guide you in anything you may face—then you don’t have to repeat the same challenges over and over.

Place your identity in effort. Effort can translate into EVERY area of life, even when life changes.

Challenge yourself to have an identity rooted in the belief that you are unlimited—no matter what the endeavor.

-Coach Tish