One Thing: Identity

Design Thinking Mini-Series, Part 4

Hi friends,

To wrap up our mini-series, here’s how I’m using design thinking to explore personal style. This is new and a little uncomfortable for me.

Design audit. I gave myself a 5/10 with momentum. There’s room for exploration, play, and improvement. Underneath it all, I want to present myself in a way that feels alive and aligned.

Read the room. I opened my closet and drawers and realized that only a few pieces reliably ground me. I also noticed some structural stressors, like suitcases jammed into the closet.

Build it. I started with free prototypes: reading articles, watching a few videos, and a book from the library. Now I’m getting out there and trying things on.

Identity

Here’s the thing with designing your life: as you build it, you slowly become it. I saw this happen as I was becoming a coach, and I trust it will happen as I experiment with personal style.

In Atomic Habits, James Clear writes: “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become…as the votes build up, so does the evidence of your new identity.” Let’s embody your new identity by casting three small votes this week.

• First, finish this sentence: “I’m becoming the kind of person who _________.”

• Name three small votes you can cast this week (small enough for a low-energy day). For example:

  • Try on three outfits

  • Wear one “alive and aligned” outfit

  • Find a new home for my suitcase

Cheering you on as you keep iterating and casting small votes for the life—and the identity—you’re designing.

Take good care,
Lisa