This week, when speaking at an inspiring event for student midwives – an audience full of future changemakers – I was asked the question: “What would you tell your younger self?”
The answer came quickly. Not because I’ve had it prepared for years, but because I’ve been reflecting on it a lot lately.
I’d tell her this: “Be confident. Be strong. Be secure in who you are.”
Knowing that would have made life a lot easier.
Why Identity Is Fundamental to Resilience
Like many people, when I was younger, I spent too much energy trying to fit in. Trying to present a version of myself I thought would be acceptable. But, if I’d embraced my identity earlier, stood firmly in my values, acknowledged my strengths, and let go of the need to conform, I would have been far more resilient, grounded, and at peace.
This idea of identity, and how foundational it is to resilience, is something I explore in depth in my new book, Sustain, which launches on the 23rd of September.
In the book, I share what I believe to be the key elements of sustainable high performance and lasting resilience:
- A strong sense of your values to guide decisions under pressure
- A clear identity to anchor your habits and behaviours
- Community and connection to support your mental wellbeing
- Resources like agency, daily habits and recovery to keep you fuelled
When we have a strong sense of who we are, not who we think we should be, we’re less likely to be knocked off course by comparison, burnout, or self-doubt.
In today’s world, where fakery and image can often take precedence over authenticity and truth, that clarity of self feels more important than ever.
How Secure Are You in Your Identity?
So here’s my question for you: How secure are you in your identity?
And how might strengthening that anchor help you move through the world with more confidence, resilience, and ease?
I believe identity is a quiet superpower. And it’s one of the cornerstones of the message I share in Sustain.
If this resonates, I’d love you to explore the book when it’s released. For early access and an exclusive launch offer, join the Sustain waitlist.
Sustainable people drive sustainable businesses
This message on connection is just one part of Sustain, Leanne’s keynote on personal sustainability and resilient performance. It’s designed to help your leaders and teams build lasting habits around values, identity, community and resources, the real drivers of energy, mood and motivation.
If you’re looking to create a culture that supports wellbeing and high performance, let’s talk.
Book a free, no-obligation chat, or you can find out more about all of Leanne’s wellbeing keynotes.
