Sculpting Your Identity and Life

Michelangelo and the Statue of David

Michelangelo’s Statue of David is a masterpiece admired worldwide as it depicts the biblical hero who defeated the mighty Goliath. David’s triumph has become an inspirational symbol for human potential, courage, and cunning strategy (rather than brute force) in battle. Although many have come to know the story of David, the story behind how Michelangelo sculpted his work of art remains less familiar.

The marble block used for the statue had been discarded over decades before and was considered too flawed with imperfections and unsuitable for use. In today’s terms, it was the marble equivalent of a clearance bin item. Michelangelo worked on the piece in secrecy for three years guided by his vision of what the marble could become.

Michelangelo famously stated: "I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

The sculpting of the Statue of David presents a wonderful metaphor and lesson: The key to success is creating a vision of your “Ideal Self” and taking consistent action to remove what doesn’t align with that vision.

In any moment, we can choose to create our present life by a compelling vision of our future self, rather than be chained by the constraints of our past. Our identity is not fixed. Like a sculptor shaping marble, we have the ability to chip away at limiting beliefs, outdated narratives, and unproductive habits, revealing the version of ourselves we aspire to become.

In the wise words of James Clear, “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become. True behavior change is identity change.”

Identity Drives Habits, Habits Shape Your Life

Michelangelo’s story reminds us that greatness is not about what the marble is but what it can become. By consciously aligning our actions today with the person we want to be tomorrow, we transform our lives into a masterpiece, sculpted with intention and purpose.

Too often, athletes and performers define themselves by their past actions (successes and failures) and circumstances. They become tethered to previous versions of themselves that may no longer serve them. When performers adopt an identity based on their future—who they aspire to be—they unlock the ability to act in alignment with that vision. Instead of being stuck in a reactive mindset, they become proactive and purpose-driven with their habits.

As human beings, our conscious (or subconscious) vision of our Ideal Self is a compass that guides our actions in the present moment. The clearer you are on who you want to become, the easier it will get to ignore decisions or subtract habits that don’t fit your vision.

Our future outcomes and results are the compounded effect of our current habits. If you want better results, develop better habits. Habits are not about having something (e.g. the desired outcome), they are about becoming someone. Below are a few examples:

Becoming a Meditator

• Goal-Based: “I want to meditate daily.”

• Identity-Based: “I am a mindful person who creates space for reflection and peace every day.”

Becoming a Reliable Teammate

• Goal-Based: “I want to finish this project on time.”

• Identity-Based: “I am a reliable and disciplined teammate who delivers excellence.”

Becoming a Leader

• Goal-Based: “I want to take on more leadership responsibilities.”

• Identity-Based: “I am a leader who lifts others up through my actions and mindset.”

3 Applications for Coaches

1. Create Your Ideal Self

Help athletes visualize and create their “Ideal Self” in vivid detail. Below are some potential questions and prompts:

• If you could create the ultimate version of yourself as an athlete, what would that look like?

• What does that ideal version of you believe about themselves? How do they act differently from who you are today?

• I am at my best when I ________.

• If you achieved everything you’ve dreamt of in your sport, who would you be in the process?

2. Conduct a Habit Audit

Sit down with players and conduct a review of their current routines and habits to identify what’s working and what’s not.

Players can make a list of their daily/weekly habits related to training, performance, recovery, and mental preparation. For each habit, invite them to answer the following question: Does this habit align with my Ideal Self and the athlete I want to become?

The next and final step is eliminating or replacing habits that are energy-draining and misaligned with the new identity (“Ideal Self”) they’ve created.

3. Use the “Stop, Start, Continue” Exercise

This is a great reflective exercise to help athletes evaluate their current habits, behaviors, and thought patterns.

• Start: Ask, “What’s one new behavior or thought you need to adopt to level up your current self?”

• Stop: Ask, “What’s one thing you’re doing or believing that no longer serves you or your goals?”

• Continue: Ask, “What’s one effective habit or belief I already possess that would be worth doubling down on?”

Closing Thoughts

Just as Michelangelo saw David within the marble, great coaches see the potential in every athlete (even when they can’t see it themselves). By helping athletes craft their identity from a future orientation, coaches empower them to act not as they were, but as they could be.

Inspiration for This Piece:

• Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones. New York, NY: Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

• Hardy, B. (2023). Be your future self now: The science of intentional transformation. Hay House.