The days between Christmas and the New Year always feel a bit strange. We’re full (of food, emotion, maybe some thoughts we haven’t quite processed) and not yet ready for “next.” The year isn’t over, but we aren't quite ready to start a new one. That’s exactly what makes this week so powerful.

This moment is what’s called a liminal space, a transitional zone between what was and what’s next. It’s a threshold. An in-between. And it’s uncomfortable by design. But it’s also where change actually happens. Most of us use this week to think about goals. But before we decide what we want to do in 2026, there’s a more important question worth asking: who are we becoming? Because goals don’t exist in a vacuum. They either reinforce an identity... or fight against it.

Tip of the Week: Before setting goals for next year, define the identity you want those goals to reinforce.

Side Note: It’s hard to reflect (let alone grow) when your calendar feels like a fire drill. If you’re trying to make space for thoughtful planning, the first step is getting your workload under control.

That’s why I created the Effective Workload Management Systems course. It’s a practical framework designed to help you reclaim your time, reduce overwhelm, and align your schedule with what actually matters — not just at work, but in real life. This latest version is the strongest yet, shaped by feedback from over 70,000 Amazonians and built for real-world demands, not just ideal scenarios.

The Theory Behind

We act in ways that are consistent with how we see ourselves.This comes from identity-based behavior change, a concept popularized by James Clear and supported by decades of research in self-perception theory. The idea is simple: behavior change sticks when it aligns with identity. If you believe “I’m not a disciplined person,” every habit feels like friction. But if you see yourself as someone who shows up consistently, the same actions feel natural. Identity is the operating system — behavior is just the output.

Every action is a vote for the type of person you’re becoming. James Clear describes habits as “votes” for your identity. One workout doesn’t make you fit. One article doesn’t make you a writer. But repeated actions compound into belief. This is why focusing only on outcomes can backfire. Outcomes end. Identity persists. When goals reinforce identity, follow‑through becomes easier because you’re not forcing change — you’re confirming who you already are.

Goals should serve identity, not define it. When we skip the identity step, we end up chasing productivity instead of progress. “Lose 10 pounds” is fragile. “I’m someone who treats my body with respect” is durable. “Write more” is vague. “I show up like someone with something to say” creates clarity. Identity‑aligned goals feel less like pressure and more like proof. Create a new identity first, then build a habits on top of that.

Liminal moments are when identity is most flexible. This week matters because identity is easier to reshape during transitions. The old story has loosened its grip, but the new one hasn’t solidified yet. That’s why New Year’s resolutions exist, but also why most fail. We change the goals, not the identity underneath. This week gives us a chance to do it in the right order.

What I’ve Learned

I’m a very numeric person by nature. I like metrics, dashboards, and progress you can measure. For a long time, that also shaped how I saw myself: structured, analytical, not particularly creative. Writing felt like something I did, not something I was. That changed the day I updated my LinkedIn headline to simply say “Writer.” Nothing magical happened overnight. My writing didn’t suddenly improve. But something subtle shifted. Writing stopped feeling optional. It became part of how I saw myself (and how I showed up). That one identity shift did more for consistency than any productivity system ever did. That experience taught me this: identity creates gravity. Once you name who you’re becoming, your actions start to orbit around it.

Make It Happen

1. Name one identity you want to step into in 2026. Examples: writer, healthy person, present parent, thoughtful leader, consistent finisher.

2. Finish this sentence: “I’m the kind of person who…”

3. List 3 behaviors that prove that identity. Keep them small and repeatable.

4. Translate goals into identity language. “Save money” → “I’m someone who plans ahead.” “Exercise more” → “I take care of my body.”

5. Design your goals to confirm identity, not stretch willpower. If it feels forced, the identity isn’t ready yet.

6. Let the story catch up later. You don’t need to announce it. Just live it.

You don’t need a full life reset this week. You just need to decide who you’re becoming, and let your goals and habits fall in line behind that. If you want to know what I’m becoming next year, just hit reply with you own first!

Becomingly,

Jorge Luis Pando

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PS: Wow, you made it all the way down here? You must really care about your personal development! Here are 3 ways I can help you grow even faster:

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