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Key points
- Accomplishment of significant goals can prompt a reevaluation of our identity.
- The process of adopting a new identity following achievement can be influenced by cognitive dissonance.
- We can navigate transitions with self-awareness, self-affirmation, and social support.
Accomplishing significant goals can be transformative, not only in terms of the tangible outcomes but also in how we perceive ourselves. Whether it's completing a book (woo hoo!), reaching an academic achievement, achieving a fitness milestone, or mastering a new skill, success can prompt a shift in identity—a redefinition of who we are and what we're capable of. This post explores the process of adopting a new identity following the accomplishment of a goal, drawing upon academic research to provide insights and strategies for embracing these transformations.
The Concept of Identity
Identity encompasses the characteristics, beliefs, values, and roles that define our sense of self (Stryker & Burke, 2000). It is dynamic and multifaceted, shaped by personal experiences, social interactions, and cultural influences. Identity can be fluid and evolving, reflecting changes in aspirations, accomplishments, and life circumstances.
Identity Formation Following Achievement
Accomplishing a significant goal can prompt a reevaluation of one's identity, leading to the adoption of new roles, labels, and self-conceptions (Hogg & Terry, 2000). This process, known as identity redefinition, involves integrating the achievement into one's self-concept and assuming the associated roles and responsibilities (Ashforth & Mael, 1989).
For example, someone who completes a book may begin to identify as an author, embracing the role and associated attributes such as creativity, expertise, and perseverance. This transition involves not only external recognition from others but also internal acceptance and self-affirmation.
Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Perception
The process of adopting a new identity following achievement can be influenced by cognitive dissonance—the discomfort that arises from holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes (Festinger, 1957). When we achieve a significant goal, we might experience tension between our previous self-concept and the new identity associated with the accomplishment. “Am I allowed to call myself an author now that my book was just published, even though yesterday I wasn’t technically an author?”
To reduce cognitive dissonance and maintain a coherent self-image, we may engage in self-affirmation—emphasizing aspects of ourselves that are consistent with the new identity and downplaying or reinterpreting conflicting information (Steele, 1988). For example, a new author may reflect on their passion for storytelling or their years of dedication to writing to reaffirm their identity as a writer: “I’ve been working on this for years, and it’s my baby ... so it’s OK for me to call myself an author.”
Social Influence and Identity Labels
Social interactions play a crucial role in shaping identity, as others' perceptions and expectations can influence how we see ourselves (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). Following achievement, we might encounter social pressure to adopt the associated identity labels and roles.
For example, friends, family, and colleagues may congratulate a newly graduated medical doctor and refer to them as such, reinforcing their identity as a doctor. These social cues can validate the new identity and facilitate its integration into the individual's self-concept. "My family and friends keep calling me Doc, so it's really sinking in."
Strategies for Embracing a New Identity
Embracing a new identity following achievement requires self-awareness, self-affirmation, and social support. The following strategies can facilitate this process:
- Reflect on Your Accomplishments: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Reflect on the skills, qualities, and experiences that contributed to your success.
- Reframe Self-Talk: Challenge negative self-talk and self-doubt by reframing your thoughts in a more positive and affirming light. Focus on your strengths, resilience, and growth. Choose to dismiss worries that your network will be anything other than supportive if you call yourself an artist after setting up a kiosk at the art fair in your town, for example. Their opinion is irrelevant.
- Seek Validation: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who recognize and validate your accomplishments. Seek out communities or networks of peers who share similar goals and experiences.
- Set New Goals: Use your achievements as a springboard for setting new goals and aspirations. Embrace the challenge of continued growth and development in your newfound identity.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself as you navigate the process of identity redefinition. Acknowledge that change can be gradual and nonlinear, and allow yourself grace and patience along the way.
Accomplishing significant goals can prompt a reevaluation of identity, leading to the adoption of new roles, labels, and self-conceptions. By understanding the psychological processes underlying identity redefinition, we can navigate this transition with self-awareness, self-affirmation, and social support. Embracing a new identity following achievement is not only a testament to personal growth and resilience but also an opportunity for continued self-discovery and fulfillment. Let’s own every new version of ourselves we dream up and make happen; life's too short to shy away from the roles we've worked hard to achieve.
References
Ashforth, B. E., & Mael, F. (1989). Social identity theory and the organization. Academy of Management Review, 14(1), 20–39.
Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press.
Hogg, M. A., & Terry, D. J. (2000). Social identity and self-categorization processes in organizational contexts. Academy of Management Review, 25(1), 121–140.
Stryker, S., & Burke, P. J. (2000). The past, present, and future of an identity theory. Social Psychology Quarterly, 63(4), 284–297.
Steele, C. M. (1988). The psychology of self-affirmation: Sustaining the integrity of the self. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 21, 261–302.
Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In S. Worchel & W. G. Austin (Eds.), Psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 7–24). Nelson-Hall.
