Why Your Old Identity Is Holding You Back (And How to Step Into Your Next Level)

Are you feeling stuck even though you know what you want in life or business?

In this episode of Brave Moves, Julie DeLucca-Collins explores how your current identity may be holding you back from reaching your next level—and what it really takes to step into a more confident, visible, and aligned version of yourself.

If you’re struggling with self-doubt, fear of being seen, or feeling like you’re outgrowing your current life, this episode will help you understand why growth requires letting go of old patterns, behaviors, and beliefs.

 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

•  Why your identity can keep you stuck 
•  How to step into a more confident version of yourself 
•  The connection between identity, habits, and success 
•  Why growth requires letting go of old patterns 
•  How to build confidence through action 

Key Takeaway

You don’t need more clarity.

You need to start acting like the version of you who already has what you want.

This Episode Is For You If:

•  You feel stuck despite knowing what to do 
•  You struggle with self-doubt or imposter syndrome 
•  You’re afraid to step into visibility or leadership 
•  You feel like you’re outgrowing your current life or identity 
•  You’re ready to step into your next level 

Your Brave Move

Ask:
 “What would my next-level self do?”
 Then take one small step in that direction.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:02

You're not stuck because you don't know what to do. You're stuck because the version of you that got you here, it's not the version of you that will get you there. And that's the hard truth because it means something has to change. You know, my friend, before we dive in, if this podcast has been helping you think differently, grow, or take action, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another individual who is in her or his next level season. Because this one, this one is about who you are becoming. Now, stay tuned with me till the end because I'm going to give you one brave move that will help you start stepping into your next identity today, not someday. Now, let's talk about something we don't often say out loud. Growth requires loss. Not failure, not just discomfort, but loss. You have an identity, my friend, and it's keeping you safe. Right now, you have that identity, and it sounds like I'm the reliable one, I'm the nice one, I'm the one who doesn't take risks, I'm still figuring it out. And that identity has been keeping you safe, and it has helped you in your life to belong, to avoid rejection, to navigate hard lessons throughout your experience in this life. But the problem is that it's also keeping you stuck. You know, your next level requires a new version of you. You say you want more visibility and income and impact and more freedom for your life, but those things are going to require you to become in, to be different when you think, to show up differently in a different level of responsibility. And here's where the tension really comes in. You want results, but you're still operating as your old self. In that gap, that's why it feels so hard. You cannot become her or this new version of you unless you let go. This is the part that nobody really loves. To become your next level self, you have to let go of the parts of your current identity that are not working. You know, that might mean letting go of being liked by everyone, being the one who's always saying yes, or taking low risk, or perhaps being invisible. And let's be real, that can feel so hard. And it's a loss in some ways. You're going to mourn that person that you're leaving behind. Because even if those things don't serve you anymore, they're familiar. They're what I call those frenemy behaviors, right? We hate them, but they're also our friends because they're stuck to us. But your brain is always resisting. When you start stepping into that new version of yourself, into that new identity, your brain is going to say, uh-oh, wait, this is not who we are. Or it will tell you people might react differently, or this could be uncomfortable. You know, for so many times in my life, I've definitely stepped into new identities. And not that I have a personality disorder, but I stepped up into that better, greater version of myself. But it really took me saying, it's okay. I need to leave that other person behind. And you're gonna feel that self-doubt, that hesitation, and always imposter syndrome. And it's part of the process. You're feeling that, not because you're not ready to step into your new identity, but because that is part of the evolution of you. You know, you don't become confident at this new path first. You don't become confident until you first stop into your next best level. And that best level is how you begin to build confidence along the way. Now, identity is built through action, not through thought. And you think that sometimes we have to think of our new identity and you act your way into it. But every time you speak up, you take action, you follow through, you show up differently, you're practicing, you're showing yourself that wait, I am evolving, I am this new person. And you're casting a vote for the woman you are becoming. And no, you're not going to be perfect, but consistency is what we're going for. So, my friend, here's your next brave move. Ask yourself, what would the next level version of me do today in this situation? How will she show up as I'm listening to this podcast and then going about my way after it finishes? And then when you figure out how she's going to show up, do that. Even if it feels uncomfortable, even if it's unfamiliar, even if it feels like you're faking it, you're not. You're practicing. I'm not a fan of fake it till you make it, but I am a fan of practicing till you get it. Because you're doing it, my friend. You don't need to become somebody completely different, but you do need to release the version of you that is no longer aligned with where you are going. Growth isn't just about adding more, it's about shedding what no longer fits. And listen, if you're in that space right now where you know you're meant for more, but you feel the pool between who you've been and who you're becoming, well, come inside and join us at the Confident You Co-op. There is a link in the show notes. It's free. You can build relationships with an incredible community that will help you because the real work is where we shift our identities, where there's consistent action, support, and accountability, and becoming the woman you've been trying to figure out how to become. It's all inside a wonderful supportive community. And that's what we're building in the confident you co-op. Because again, you don't have to do this alone. You just have to start showing up as her. You're not stuck, you're just in the middle of becoming. And that is exactly where you're supposed to be. Until next time, don't forget, go confidently in the direction of your dreams. And if you love this episode again, go tag me on Instagram. I'd love to hear.