Don't Fake It - Own Your Future Now

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Hi Reader

In a recent strategy session, my client had set a clear, compelling vision for what they wanted to achieve. The kind of vision that gives you something meaningful to stretch towards.

As we explored what would make that vision real, we began discussing the inner shifts they’d need to lead their next chapter.

And it’s common to assume our identity and behaviours change after, or because of the progress we make – as if the journey itself moulds us into the kind of person who leads at that level. It’s a tempting belief. But what if it works the other way round?

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Guitar hero

A quick story: When my daughter first got her guitar, she didn’t wait to see whether she was a ‘real guitarist’. She just started behaving like someone who plays.

Practising, watching tutorials and building up her chords. Even attempting those tricky solos that she loved to listen to.

Nothing dramatic – just small, everyday signs of an identity she was willing to try on. And over time, her ability caught up.

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What's stopping you?

We’ll often reflect on how we need to change to meet a big vision.

When my clients explore this, they’ll often describe the qualities they imagine their future self has when they get there: “I’ll be more intentional. More visible. More decisive. I’ll create space rather than filling it all. I’ll be someone who finally leads my business with the clarity and composure that I’ll need at that scale.”

Then I ask the revealing question:
​“What’s stopping you from starting to act like that now?”

There’s normally a brief moment of discomfort because we’ve just brought that ideal future self and their current reality face-to-face. But what’s great is they realise there’s usually nothing external stopping them from experimenting with that identity now. Not perfectly. Not all at once. But in small, deliberate ways.

So we discuss the small, immediate shifts they can make. The new framing they can take into familiar situations. Choosing a more intentional version of themselves – the one aligned to the future they’re building – and giving it a little more presence.

Because that identity doesn’t suddenly appear at the point of achievement. It’s shaped through the practice. In the behaviours you choose before you feel fully ready. In the small, ordinary moments when it would be easier to default back to old thinking and habits.

Importantly, this isn’t ‘faking it till you make it’. It’s choosing to behave in the way your future needs – long before it feels ingrained or shows visible results.

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Start today

Our identity isn’t just an abstract idea – it’s the lens that frames how you think, decide and show up. You don’t need to change everything at once. And you don’t need to turn this into a grand declaration.

Momentum builds quickly when you stop waiting to feel like the person your vision requires – and start making the shift now.

Stay ambitious.

Rob

From 1:1 support through to strategic partnership, you’ll find clear options for connecting a sharp vision to results that last. Explore them at sparkedambition.co.uk​

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Sparked Ambition Ltd | ​linkedin.com/in/robstubbs​