Newsletter 4: Define who’s living the vision

Newsletter 4: Define who’s living the vision

Subject: Same vision. Wrong person running it.

Once you’ve seen the life you want—and decided it’s yours—the next step is to define who’s living it.

Because every vision has a main character. And that character determines how the story unfolds.

Most people skip this step. They chase goals from the same identity that built their current reality.

Then wonder why nothing really changes.

Here’s the truth: You can’t create a new experience from the same version of you that’s trying to survive the old one.

The “how” doesn’t change until the “who” does.

Real example:

Mortgage broker wanted to work with high-net-worth clients. Had the systems. Had the knowledge.

Every time he quoted his fee, he heard himself apologizing: “I know it’s a lot, but…”

He was trying to serve premium clients from an identity that still felt like a discount provider.

The vision was right. The identity hadn’t shifted yet.

Here’s the shift: Before you plan, pause. Picture the version of you who already lives that life.

Real examples that work:

How do they think when pressure hits? The calm CEO doesn’t panic when a deal falls through. They ask: “What’s the next move?” and make it.

How do they speak to clients? The trusted advisor doesn’t convince or chase. They consult. They qualify. They walk away from bad fits without guilt.

What do they say no to instantly? The architect who builds leaders says no to any client who needs them personally to succeed. They hire for values and delegate authority, not just tasks.

The psychology:

This isn’t fantasy—it’s calibration. You’re teaching your system what “aligned” feels like.

When your identity lines up with your vision, decisions stop feeling forced. You don’t fake confidence. You act from it.

Pro tip:

Results follow character—not effort. Define who you’re being first. Then let that version of you write the plan.

What to do next:

- Picture the version of you who already lives your vision

- Ask: How do they think? How do they speak? What do they say no to?

- Write down 3-5 specific behaviors that version embodies

- Practice one behavior this week before it matters

You start moving from identity, not willpower.

Watch the deep dive:

Define Who You’re Being

[https://billfoss.com/central]

Ready to define the identity with live guidance?

Vision & Decision Workshop →

[https://billfoss.com/workshops]

Want to practice the identity shift in real time?

SHIFT I.O.S. Identity Activation ($27) [https://billfoss.com/activation]

—Bill

P.S. Same tactics. Different person running them. That’s the difference.