The Story
In this episode, Joanna explores the concept of unshakeable identity, sharing her personal journey and the lessons learned from losing her identity multiple times. She emphasises the importance of building an identity rooted in personal values, superpowers, and purpose, rather than external roles or expectations. Joanna also addresses the common experience of imposter syndrome and offers strategies for overcoming it. The episode concludes with a reflection on the profound opportunity that arises from moments of identity crisis, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves.
Key Takeaways
Six ways to create an Unshakeable Identity:
1. Name your values. Your values are the compass for who you are. Start there.
2. Spot the superpowers. What are you naturally brilliant at? Ask people you trust. Reflect on moments when you felt fully alive. These are clues.
3. Track your triggers. Triggers often reveal where you’ve outsourced your worth. Notice where you feel reactive or not-enough — and ask, “What identity am I defending here?”
4. Craft your new identity statement. Try this prompt: I am a woman who... (e.g. “I am a woman who leads herself powerfully. Who chooses truth over approval. Who lives in alignment.”)
5. Practice being her. Embodiment is everything. Ask yourself each morning: How would the most aligned version of me show up today?
6. Anchor the new self. Find a piece of music that symbolises your Unshakeable identity. Play it loud and play it often. My Unshakeable Identity anthem is Katy Perry Roar.
The Soul - Journal prompts
• Where have you allowed external roles or expectations to define who you are?
• Who are you beyond the titles, the achievements, the roles you play?
• What are the 3 core values that truly define you — even if everything else were stripped away?
• What parts of you have you hidden to stay “safe,” “liked,” or “approved of”?
• What would it feel like to build your identity from within — based on truth, not performance?
Universal Guidance – Ten of Swords
The card I pulled for this episode is the Ten of Swords — a card that speaks of endings, rock bottom, and the deep pain that comes when an old version of ourselves dies off.
This can feel brutal. It’s the collapse of everything you thought made you you — the roles, the achievements, the identity you built to survive or succeed. But this card isn’t just about pain — it’s about the profound opportunity that lives within that ending.
The Ten of Swords reminds us that sometimes, your unshakeable identity isn’t built — it’s revealed… when everything else falls away.
It’s in those moments when you feel like you’ve lost everything that your truth rises. Not the version of you shaped by others’ expectations — but the version that comes from deep within.
If you're in a moment of unraveling, this card is your reminder:
💫 The worst is behind you.
💫 The sun is rising.
💫 This is the beginning of your return to yourself.
I would love to hear what landed most for you in this episode.
You can DM me on Instagram at @becomingnoordinarywoman or email me at support@joannapetrierout.com — I always love hearing from you.
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Thank you for being here.