When my client walked into the gym, it wasn’t just another workout—it was a transformation. She’d open her bag, pull out a pair of well-worn weightlifting gloves, and slip them on with quiet determination. At that moment, she wasn’t just herself anymore. She became Gladis—a no-nonsense, chalk-dusted German powerlifter. This wasn’t just a quirky ritual. It was a powerful identity-based fitness strategy that rewired her mindset and boosted her performance.
Let’s explore how this technique can help you train harder, feel more confident, and live with purpose—both inside and outside the gym
This wasn’t just a quirky ritual. It was a powerful psychological strategy—and it worked. The moment those gloves were on, her posture changed, her confidence skyrocketed, and her intensity in the gym reached a whole new level. Without them, she said, she felt “naked,” unsure, and far less capable.
So, what was really going on here?
The Psychology of Identity-Based Fitness – “Becoming Gladis”
What my client was tapping into is a concept known in psychology as “enclothed cognition”—the idea that what we wear (or who we act like) influences how we think, feel, and behave. But it also ties into a deeper idea: identity-based behavior change.
She wasn’t just doing a workout—she was being someone who trains hard.
When you step into an identity—even a fictional one—your actions begin to reflect it. You align your behaviors with who you believe you are.
And this doesn’t just change how you train.
How This Shapes Lifestyle
The same principle that helped my client lift heavier applies to the choices we make outside the gym:
- If you identify as a fit person, you’re more likely to choose whole foods over takeout.
- If you see yourself as a disciplined person, you’re more likely to go to bed earlier, drink water, and stay consistent.
- If you see yourself as the kind of person who always finds time to train—even when life gets busy—you’ll act accordingly.
That’s why the phrase “I’m trying to be healthy” is far less powerful than “I’m a healthy person” or “I don’t miss workouts.”
The real magic happens when your new behaviors stop feeling like something you have to do and start becoming something you just do—because it’s who you are now.
Identity vs. Imposter Syndrome
Now let’s talk about a silent killer of progress: imposter syndrome.
It shows up in thoughts like:
- “I don’t belong in this gym.”
- “I’m not a real athlete.”
- “Everyone else knows what they’re doing—I’m faking it.”
That same client used to feel this way. But when she put on her gloves and became Gladis, something interesting happened:
She stopped feeling like an imposter… and started performing like she belonged.
Why? Because stepping into a new identity helps bypass the “I’m not good enough” loop. You’re not pretending—you’re practicing. You’re showing up as if you’re already the type of person you want to become.
Eventually, it’s not an act anymore.
Why This Works
When you identify as someone capable, strong, and focused (even if it’s a version of yourself with a different name), you:
- Reduce self-doubt. You’re not “trying” to be confident—you are Gladis, and Gladis doesn’t question herself.
- Increase motivation. The behavior flows more naturally when it’s part of who you believe you are.
- Feel more resilient. Setbacks feel less personal when you’re playing a role with a clear purpose.
- Boost performance. Studies show that people perform better when their identity is tied to their actions. You act in ways that reinforce your chosen persona.
It’s the same reason athletes visualize themselves stepping into the ring or onto the field like warriors. Or why certain professionals wear suits to feel powerful in meetings. It’s a way of accessing the mindset required for high performance.
You Can Build This Too
You don’t need to invent an alter ego to change your life. But you do need to start aligning your actions with the identity of the person you want to become.
Here’s how to start:
- Pick the identity you want to grow into. Not just “lose weight” or “get fit”—but who do you want to be? A strong, confident parent? Someone who never misses a Monday? A calm, focused version of yourself?
- Ask: What would that version of me do today? Would they snooze the alarm—or lace up their shoes? Would they grab fast food—or prep something nourishing?
- Create a symbol or trigger. It could be gym gloves, a playlist, a bracelet, a mantra—something that reminds you to “step into character.”
- Repeat. You’re not faking it. You’re rehearsing your future self.
Try This in Your Next Workout
You don’t have to become a German powerlifter (unless that sounds fun). But you can:
- Create a gym persona. Maybe it’s “Beast Mode Brooke” or “Focused Fred.” Give it a name, a backstory, even a theme song.
- Anchor it with a ritual. This could be putting on lifting gloves, tying your shoes a certain way, or listening to a specific playlist.
- Practice stepping into character. When you walk through those gym doors, mentally flip the switch. Ask yourself: What would my persona do today?
- Reflect afterward. How did your mindset shift? Did you feel different? Did it help you push harder?
Becoming Who You Need to Be
Fitness isn’t just about reps and sets. It’s about identity. When you begin to see yourself as the type of person who doesn’t skip workouts, who lifts with intent, who thrives under challenge—that’s when transformation really sticks.
Your habits don’t just shape your body—they shape who you believe you are.
So if you need to borrow some confidence, some grit, or a no-excuses attitude, do what my client did: pull on your metaphorical gloves, channel your inner Gladis, and show up as the version of you who already has what you’re chasing.
Need help stepping into your strongest self?
Let’s build a fitness and lifestyle routine that fits your goals—and the identity you want to grow into. Message me here and let’s get started. Read more about imposter syndrome here.