Episode 69: WHO AM I BECOMING? THE IDENTITY SHIFT AND THE COURAGE TO BEGIN AGAIN

Episode 69: What if the person you are becoming requires you to let go of who you once were?In Episode 69 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes fitness, performance, and wellness coach, entrepreneur, lifelong athlete, and founder of AE Fitness & Performance Coaching, Arwen Elaine, on the show.Together, Sarah and Arwen explore one of the most profound questions of personal growth:Who am I becoming?From childhood labels and family roles to career identities, athletic pursuits, and life transitions, we often carry stories about ourselves long after they no longer reflect who we truly are. In this thought-provoking conversation, Sarah and Arwen discuss how identity evolves across the lifespan, why some identities must be released to make room for new ones, and how growth often begins with permitting ourselves to change.In this episode, we explore:• The identities we inherit from family, school, and society• How labels shape our beliefs about ourselves• The difference between assigned identity and authentic identity• Why self-compassion is essential during seasons of change• Kristin Neff's work on self-compassion• Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and identity development• Imposter syndrome and why it may be evidence of growth rather than inadequacy• Identity theory and performance psychology• The concept of "nascence" — the process of beginning anew• How identity influences performance in sport, leadership, career, and life• The importance of authenticity, alignment, and personal evolution• The transformative question: What would change if I permitted myself?This conversation is for anyone navigating a life transition, redefining themselves after a major accomplishment, exploring a new chapter, or wondering whether the identity they've carried for years still fits who they are becoming. Because sometimes growth is not about becoming someone new. Sometimes growth is about becoming more fully yourself.Subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged for conversations at the intersection of human performance, leadership, resilience, healthy aging, motivation, and personal growth.Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.