The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Rewriting Your Health Identity

Have you ever caught yourself saying things like:

💭 “I’m just not athletic.”

💭 “I can’t lose weight.”

💭 “I’ve always been this way.”

Sound familiar? We all have those stories we tell ourselves....but what if I told you, those stories aren’t true?

Your health identity is not fixed. It’s written by you.

And the great news is, you have the power to rewrite it, starting today.

The Power of Our Inner Stories

The way we think about ourselves shapes the way we show up in the world. If you believe you’re not athletic, you might avoid exercise. If you think you can’t lose weight, you might stop trying before you even start.

What we believe about ourselves becomes how we live...but just because you’ve told yourself something for years doesn’t make it true.

The only thing standing between you and your health goals is the story you believe.

are The Stories You Tell Yourself Helping or Hurting?

Take a moment and think about the beliefs you have about your health. Do they feel empowering, or are they limiting?

“I’m not a morning person.”

→ What if you could be? What if you just haven’t found the right routine yet?

“I’ll never lose this weight.”

→ What if your body is ready for change, but it’s about consistency and finding what works for you?

“I’m not athletic.”

→ What if “athletic” isn’t about running marathons or lifting weights — it’s just about moving and trying your best?

Your health journey is not about perfection. It’s about progress.

Rewriting Your Health Identity

You can change the stories you tell yourself, and replace your negative self-talk with positive and empowering messages that serve you.

Here’s how:

1. Question the Story

   Often, we hold onto old stories that aren’t based on facts - they’re actually based on fear, past experiences, or even things we've heard from other people. Ask yourself: Is this belief really true? How do I know? Even if it may have been true in the past, that doesn't mean it still is.

   
   

   "This never worked in the past" becomes "I am capable of learning and improving."

   
   

   "I'm not a gym person" becomes "I can find a path that works for my body and my lifestyle."

   
   

2. Create a New Story

   Reframe your belief into something empowering. Make it something you can work toward.

   
   

   “I’m too tired to work out” becomes “I will start small, and each time I move, I’ll get stronger.”

   
   

   "I don't have time to go to the gym" becomes "I deserve to make my health a priority."

   
   

3. Embrace the Journey

   You don’t have to be perfect to make progress. You just need to show up. Every time you take one step forward - even if it's small - you are rewriting your story.

   
   

   “I’m not athletic” becomes “I am becoming stronger every day.”

   
   

   “I can’t lose weight” becomes “I can make healthy choices that support my body.”

   
   
   
   

4. Celebrate Your Wins

   Whether it’s choosing a healthy snack or finishing a workout, every win counts. Positive reinforcement creates positive change. Be kind to yourself and start with small steps - and give yourself credit for every single one!

Rewriting Your Health Identity Starts with Self-Belief

The stories we tell ourselves about our health can hold us back, but they don’t have to define us - and we have the power to take control of the narrative.

Your identity is not fixed. It’s created with every choice you make. With every workout. Every meal. Every day you choose to believe in your potential, you choose to become the person you want to be.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to let go of limiting beliefs. Your health journey is not about fitting into a mold, a number on the scale, or someone else’s idea of “fit.” It’s about finding your own path, being healthy, trusting yourself, and becoming the version of you that feels good, capable, and proud.

The power to change is already inside of you. You just have to believe that you can.