It’s All About Identity

Addiction is a solution, not the problem.

Dan Sullivan, renowned business coach, made that assertion in one of his recent audiobooks with Benjamin Hardy.

The concept is simply that addiction is a habit that scratches an itch. 

• Looking to numb your consciousness? Alcohol, drugs, and junk food are reliable and available means
• Want superficial acceptance? Porn and masturbation fill the need
• Need confirmation? Choose one of the myriad politically-skewed news outlets

Many of these habits can hurt the people we love and eventually destroy us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, which is why we often call them bad. However, none is inherently good or bad.

Like anything in life, the problem is usually deeper than what can be superficially perceived. Often we remain in our patterns, regardless of how they impact us, because they tie us to a comfortable reality – a known identity.

To break the pattern, we must break our identity.

We must silence the ego.

We must rebuild.

Like anyone, I’ve started and quit many things in my life. Without question, the most enduring changes were those tied deeply to a new sense of self – a new identity.

Want to start a business? Become the person you believe a successful entrepreneur is.

Want to quit sugar and red meat? Embrace the science and become the person who just doesn’t eat those things.

It’s really that simple.

It’s also easier said than done.

Identity transformation takes work. It often requires breaking out of comfortable patterns and leaving behind pieces of yourself that you hold dear. This is why so many addicts relapse. It’s hard work.

If you need some guidance, do what works in any area of life – join a community already doing what you want to do. Alcoholics Anonymous, religion, and masterminds are so impactful because they provide ready models for success.

What dream identity would you adopt?