Becoming the person who does the thing It can be disorienting and unsettling when our beliefs shift, as the world we helped create no longer exists and our role in it transforms. This transformation feels like not just a minor update but swapping in an entirely new operating system. Personal transformation story In the author's late twenties, there was a significant shift in mindset, especially regarding physical fitness. Initially dismissive of gym culture, the author started with small exercises like knee press-ups and assisted pull-ups in private. Despite humble beginnings and slow progress, consistent effort led to increased strength and confidence. Over nearly a decade, gym attendance became a routine, reflecting a changed self-identity that drives behavior. Physical fitness, while initially undervalued, became part of a broader understanding that beliefs shape life choices. Core ideas about belief and identity Our beliefs about what constitutes a well-lived life profoundly influence both our actions and outcomes. Early beliefs, often imposed by others, form foundational "layers" that shape us deeply. However, people are dynamic and capable of shedding old beliefs, integrating new ones, and restructuring identity over time. Changing beliefs and identity is a process that cannot be forced but embarked upon through consistent actions. Practical philosophy: Identity and action The author draws on two influential quotes: > “People like us do things like this” — Seth Godin > “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become” — James Clear These quotes highlight that our actions reinforce who we believe ourselves to be. If one identifies negatively (e.g., as a failure or incapable), no amount of willpower will be sustainable. Change comes from continuously casting "votes" for a new self-identity with daily actions. Progress is gradual but can culminate in sudden insight or transformation—“slowly, and then all at once.” Steps to shift identity and behavior Identify the aspects of your identity and beliefs that need to shift. Take deliberate, consistent actions aligned with your desired self. Face your old identity, acknowledge it, but choose to move beyond it. Repeat day by day, allowing your internal world to recalibrate around the new identity. Over time, you will genuinely embody the new you—becoming the person who does the thing. --- The article encourages embracing the discomfort of change and recognizing that becoming the person who takes action is a deliberate, ongoing journey rooted in belief, identity, and consistent daily choices.