Molly Watts
Molly Watts, Author & Coach
Think Thursday-Identity Lag: Why Your Brain Hasn't Caught Up Yet
Think Thursday-Identity Lag: Why Your Brain Hasn't Caught Up Yet
Think Thursday-Identity Lag: Why Your Brain Hasn't Caught Up Yet
Thursday 15th January 2026
Discover why your brain resists quick identity shifts and learn how behaviour change leads the way to lasting transformation.
13 minutes
Informative
Inspiring
Encouraging
Educational
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About this podcast
Author:
Molly Watts
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Identity Lag: When Your Brain Plays Catch-Up
Episode Overview
- Identity lag is the gap between changed behaviour and updated self-image.
- The brain prefers stability, making quick identity shifts challenging.
- Cognitive dissonance arises when actions don't match beliefs.
- Behaviour change should lead; identity will follow with time.
- Doubt is a natural part of growth and should be seen as information.
"Over time, research shows that behaviour is often what resolves cognitive dissonance, not beliefs."
Ever wondered why, after starting a new habit, you still feel like an imposter? In this engaging episode of The Alcohol Minimalist Podcast, Molly Watts takes us on a fascinating journey through the concept of 'identity lag.' This is the gap between changing your behaviour and your brain catching up with a new self-image. As we hit mid-January, many find themselves questioning their New Year resolutions, feeling that awkward tension between old habits and new behaviours.
Molly introduces us to the neuroscience behind this phenomenon, explaining how our brains are wired for stability and why they resist quick identity shifts. Molly dives into cognitive dissonance—when our actions don't yet match our beliefs—and how this can lead to self-doubt. But fear not! She shares practical advice on how to let your behaviour lead the way, allowing your identity to catch up over time.
With a sprinkle of humour and a dash of neuroscience, she reassures listeners that this discomfort isn't a sign of failure but a natural part of growth. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone struggling with habit change, offering insights on how to separate behaviour from belief and treat doubt as mere information. So, if you're someone who's started a new habit and feels like they're faking it, this episode is your guide to understanding why that's perfectly normal.
Why not tune in and find out how your brain can be your ally in creating lasting change?