Earn A New Identity
Shrink For The Shy Guy - A podcast by Dr. Aziz: Social Anxiety And Confidence Expert, Author and Coach - Wednesdays
In today’s episode, Dr. Aziz takes you on a deep dive into how to transform your identity to unlock greater confidence. He reveals that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it's a skill you can develop. By understanding and reshaping your identity, you can break free from old patterns and create a new, empowered version of yourself. Dr. Aziz will guide you through what it really means to earn a new identity and why it's crucial for lasting change. You’ll learn how to push past the discomfort of growth and practice the actions that align with the confident, bold person you want to be. This episode is packed with practical insights and a clear action step to help you start building your new identity today. If you’ve ever felt stuck in who you think you are, this episode will show you how to break free. Tune in and take the first step toward earning a new, more confident version of yourself! ------------------ What Is Your Identity, and Why Does It Matter? Your identity is how you see yourself—what you believe about yourself, consciously and unconsciously. It’s the mental structure that determines your actions, decisions, and ultimately, your experiences in life. It includes things like, “Am I smart? Am I attractive? Am I capable?” These beliefs shape how you interact with the world and what you think is possible for you. But here’s the good news: Your identity is not fixed. It’s not set in stone. You can change it. And by changing it, you can steer your life in a new direction. If you feel stuck in a “fixed identity,” it’s time to break free and create an identity that aligns with the confident, bold, and authentic person you want to be. "Your identity isn’t fixed—it’s flexible, and you have the power to shape it into something that serves you, not holds you back." The Power of Earning a New Identity Changing your identity isn’t just about thinking differently or repeating affirmations. It’s about earning that new identity through action. You don’t become more confident by wishing for it; you become more confident by doing the things that challenge you, that push you beyond your comfort zone. For example, if your current identity says, “I’m shy” or “I’m not good at talking to people,” you’ll need to start practicing interactions that defy those beliefs. Gradual exposure—taking small, manageable steps toward social confidence—is how you earn that new identity. Whether it’s saying hello to strangers, engaging more in conversations at work, or pushing yourself to be more assertive, every action you take builds your confidence muscle. Key Point: You Must Earn Your New Identity You create a new identity by consistently doing things that your old identity says you can’t. This isn’t about overnight transformation; it’s about building the muscle of confidence over time. From Fixed to Flexible: The Journey of Growth The biggest mistake people make is believing that who they are now is who they have to be forever. They think their identity is fixed and unchangeable. But that’s not true. Just like learning a new skill—whether it’s playing an instrument or getting better at a sport—you can learn to be more confident. It’s all about practice and persistence. You’ve likely learned new things before, even if it was something as simple as mastering a game on your phone. So why not apply that same mindset to your social skills and confidence? The discomfort you feel when learning something new is natural. The key is to push through that discomfort and keep going. "Your identity is as flexible as you allow it to be. Every time you challenge your old beliefs, you’re creating space for a new, more confident you to emerge." Action Step: Design Your New Identity Now, let’s put this into action. I want you to take a moment to think about who you want to be 12 months from now. What does that new, confident version of you look like? What have you accomplished? How do you feel about yourself? Write it all down. This is your new identity. Then, work backward. What actions will help you become that person? Maybe it’s starting conversations more often, taking risks in social settings, or practicing assertiveness. Whatever it is, commit to those actions and start earning your new identity today. "Your new identity is within reach. Take consistent action, face your fears, and watch yourself transform into the confident, bold person you were always meant to be." For more tools and guidance on building your confidence, check out my programs at DrAziz.com. Until we speak again, may you have the courage to be who you are and know on a deep level that you’re awesome.