When it comes to our health, we often focus on what we should do but true transformation begins with who we believe we are.
It’s about shifting our self-perception, and it can be far more powerful than relying on willpower alone. For example, the idea that:
If you find yourself slouching, you’ll usually think “I really should sit up straighter”. But that’s a temporary command. It’s easy to forget and can feel like a chore.
However – when you think instead, “I’m someone who prioritises good posture,” it changes the foundation of your actions. Because this isn’t just a fleeting thought; rather, it becomes part of your identity – “I am someone…”
When something is part of your identity, you make small, subconscious choices throughout the day to support it. You naturally adjust how you sit, stand, and move because that’s simply what a person with good posture does.
Sometimes, though, that identity can feel out of reach.
For instance, for many people living with chronic pain, the idea of being “someone with good posture” or “someone who moves with ease” might feel distant. Even impossible.
You see, pain doesn’t just affect the body. It reshapes how you see yourself. And over time, those subtle shifts in self-perception can become barriers to healing.
You start thinking of yourself as “a person with a bad back” or “someone who can’t be active.”
This self-image then becomes a barrier to recovery, keeping you in a cycle of pain and limitation.
Rebuilding your identity is a necessary step towards healing. And it starts by shifting your focus from what you can’t do to what you are doing.
You become “someone who is actively taking steps to heal” or “a person who is learning to move with more ease.”
Every action you take is like a vote for the type of person you want to become.
Each time you choose to stretch, take a short walk, or drink a glass of water, you are casting a vote for a healthier version of yourself.
One or two votes might not seem like much. But over time, these small wins build up.
They reinforce your new identity. They make healthy habits feel less like a struggle and more like a natural part of who you are. This is how deep, lasting wellness is built.
Sometimes, our bodies need a helping hand to break free from old patterns.
Chiropractic care can be a powerful catalyst for this change. By addressing underlying issues in your spine and nervous system it can help reduce pain and improve your body’s function.
This physical relief often creates the mental space needed to start building a new, healthier identity.
When your body feels better, it’s easier to believe that you can be an active, healthy person again.
The way you talk to yourself also matters.
Instead of criticising yourself for slouching, remind yourself: “I am someone who supports my spine.”
Creating small, daily rituals can also reinforce this. You might start your day with a few simple stretches or take a moment to adjust your posture every time you sit down at your desk.
These rituals don’t need to be big. They just need to be consistent.
True health isn’t about grand, sweeping gestures. It’s about the small, identity-based choices we make every day. And ultimately, by focusing on who you want to become, you can build habits that support your spinal health for a lifetime.
We are based in three locations and share buildings with Prestige Dental Care.
