1.1.9. Identity Alignment Exercise

This exercise is designed to help you consciously align your current behavior with the entrepreneurial identity you are choosing to adopt. Rather than treating identity as an abstract idea, you will translate it into concrete statements and next actions. Complete this exercise slowly and honestly — your goal is not to write “perfect” answers, but to create a clear bridge between who you are today and who you are committed to becoming.

Instructions: Write your responses in complete statements. Avoid single words or vague phrases. Wherever possible, describe specific behaviors, decisions, or patterns you can observe in your daily life.

1. Current Identity Statement
   Complete the sentence in a full paragraph:
   
   “At present, I operate as someone who…”
   
   Describe how you currently see yourself in your work and decisions. Include how you approach risk, responsibility, learning, and uncertainty. Be specific and honest, even if your description is uncomfortable to read.
2. Future Identity Statement
   Complete the sentence in a full paragraph:
   
   “To execute at the level required, I must operate as someone who…”
   
   Describe the entrepreneur and leader you are becoming. How does this version of you think, decide, act, and respond to obstacles? Identify key qualities (e.g., ownership, initiative, resilience, strategic focus) and express them as “I” statements.
3. Behavior Gap Analysis
   List specific behaviors that reflect both identities:
   
   (a) Three existing behaviors aligned with your current identity:
   • Behavior 1 — ___________________________________________
   • Behavior 2 — ___________________________________________
   • Behavior 3 — ___________________________________________
   (b) Three required behaviors aligned with the identity you are adopting:
   • New behavior 1 — ________________________________________
   • New behavior 2 — ________________________________________
   • New behavior 3 — ________________________________________
   
   Ensure that each new behavior is concrete and observable (for example: “I schedule weekly customer interviews,” not “I care more about customers.”).
4. Immediate Implementation Commitment
   Write one clear commitment that connects identity to your next action:
   
   “My next decision will reflect the identity I am stepping into — not the identity I am leaving behind.”
   
   Specify the next real decision you will face (today or this week) and describe how you will handle it differently when acting from your new identity. Write this as a concrete “When X happens, I will Y…” statement.