Identity with Anthony Trucks

Rebuilding Identity After a Setback: Who Are You Beyond the Struggle?

Have you ever faced a moment in life where everything you thought you knew about yourself suddenly felt… uncertain? Maybe it was an injury that changed your ability to move the way you used to, a chronic illness that shifted how you engage with the world, or a concussion that left you feeling like a stranger in your own body.

So much of our identity is tied to what we do—our roles, careers, abilities, and achievements. But when those things are suddenly stripped away, we’re left with a painful question: Who am I now?

The Tree vs. The Fruit

We often build our sense of self around the “fruit” of our lives—our accomplishments, our physical abilities, the things we can measure and show. But when a concussion, illness, or injury disrupts that, it can feel like we’ve lost everything.

But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong?

What if, instead of focusing on the fruit, we focused on the tree—our roots, our foundation, the deeper aspects of who we are that exist beyond what we achieve? The reality is, setbacks don’t erase who you are. They challenge you to redefine it.

Mourning What Was... and Embracing What’s Next

Loss isn’t just about people—it’s about losing versions of ourselves. And that kind of grief is real. If you’ve struggled with a long recovery, had to step back from work or hobbies you love, or felt like you’re no longer the person you once were, you’re not alone.

Healing isn’t just about regaining function—it’s about rebuilding identity. And that means giving yourself permission to mourn what was while also creating space for what can be.

Maybe you’re not the athlete you once were. Maybe your career path had to shift. Maybe your brain doesn’t process information the way it used to. But that doesn’t mean you’ve lost you. It means there’s an opportunity to grow into a new version of yourself—one that is just as valuable, capable, and worthy.

Intentional Action: The Key to Rebuilding

After a setback, it’s easy to feel stuck in a cycle of waiting—waiting to feel better, waiting to be “normal” again, waiting for a moment where everything clicks. But waiting isn’t where change happens.

Healing, growth, and identity reconstruction happen through intentional action—small, uncomfortable, consistent steps forward. Even when they feel insignificant. Even when they don’t yield immediate results. Even when you don’t feel like yourself yet.

This could look like:
✨ Doing one thing each day that reminds you of your strength, even if it’s different from before.
✨ Exploring new ways to engage with the world that align with who you are, not just what you do.
✨ Finding a community that sees and supports the whole you, not just your struggles.

The Invitation: Who Are You Becoming?

Setbacks will challenge your sense of self, but they also offer an invitation—to rebuild, to redefine, to discover strength you didn’t know you had.

So, ask yourself… Who am I beyond what I do? Beyond what I’ve lost? Beyond the limitations I currently face?

Your identity isn’t just in what you produce—it’s in your resilience, your ability to adapt, your willingness to keep going.

And if you need more inspiration on this journey, we have a special episode of the podcast where we dive deep into identity, resilience, and rebuilding after loss. We also have a separate, incredibly powerful conversation with Anthony Trucks, who shares his personal journey of losing his NFL career and redefining his identity in a way that led to long-term success.

Tune in to Apple Podcasts to hear the full conversation. You won’t want to miss it.