What if the real reason you’re not taking action isn’t about motivation, time, or strategy—but about who you believe you are?

In this powerful solo episode of the Empowered Team Podcast, Kari Schneider dives into the hidden force driving every action you take (or don’t take): your identity. Backed by research and real-life experience, Kari unpacks how identity-based thinking shapes behavior, influences long-term success, and determines whether you follow through or stay stuck.

Drawing from her own recent life transitions and recovery from serious injury, Kari shares how shifting her identity helped her navigate one of the hardest seasons of her life—and how you can do the same.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why identity—not discipline—is the foundation of consistent action
• The science behind “I am” language and behavior change
• How your brain sees your future self as a stranger (and how to fix it)
• Why you can’t outperform your identity—no matter how hard you try
• A simple 3-step framework to start shifting your identity today

Key Takeaway: Every action you take is a vote for the person you believe you are. Change your identity—and your actions will follow.

Call to Action: Declare who you are becoming. Share this episode and tag Kari with your “I am” statement.

Resources:

James Clear — Identity-Based Habits

• Atomic Habits (book reference)
• Article on identity: https://jamesclear.com/identity-based-habits

Hal Hershfield — Future Self Research

• UCLA profile & research: https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/faculty-and-research/marketing/faculty/hershfield
• UCLA newsroom interview: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/hal-hershfield-finding-harmony-with-future-self-book
• HBR article: https://hbr.org/2013/06/you-make-better-decisions-if-you-see-your-senior-self
• NPR feature: https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1182387784

William Swann — Self-Verification Theory

• Wikipedia overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-verification_theory
• Simply Psychology summary: https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-verification-theory.html

Amy Cuddy — Embodiment (use with caveat above)

• Original 2010 paper: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610383437
• TED Talk (47M views): https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_may_shape_who_you_are
• Updated Q&A on the research: https://ideas.ted.com/inside-the-debate-about-power-posing-a-q-a-with-amy-cuddy/