201: The Who vs The How: Allowing Your Desired Self to Shine in Social Interactions

In this episode of the Social Skills Mastery podcast, we dive deep into the concept that developing social skills isn’t just about learning tactics like small talk or body language. It’s about who you are being when you engage with others—the identity you embody and the mindset you carry. We explore how focusing on "who" you are, rather than "how" you do something, can lead to authentic, lasting transformation in your social interactions. Whether you're an introverted professional, entrepreneur, or someone who struggles with social anxiety, this episode will show you why becoming the kind of person who naturally exudes confidence, curiosity, and presence is more important than memorizing conversation techniques. Key Takeaways: The "Who" vs. "How" Dichotomy Most people focus on how to do social skills—like what to say or how to act. Real, impactful change comes from who you are being in social situations. It’s the identity you embrace that determines your success, not just the techniques you employ. Why Identity Matters in Social Confidence How you view yourself shapes how you show up in social settings. If you see yourself as awkward or shy, you'll likely behave in ways that reinforce those beliefs. By shifting your identity—seeing yourself as charismatic, curious, and socially confident—you can naturally adopt behaviors that align with that new self-perception. How to Shift Your Identity for Social Success Identify the qualities of the socially confident version of yourself. Practice “being” that person in every interaction. Ask yourself: “What would the confident version of me do in this situation?” Focus on how you want to feel in social interactions, not just what you want to say or do. Breaking Free from Tactics Alone Tactics like small talk or reading body language are tools, but without the right mindset, they feel mechanical and inauthentic. When you operate from an empowered identity, social skills become a natural expression of who you are. Practical Exercises to Start Shifting Your Identity Visualization: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself as the socially confident version of you, noticing how you carry yourself, how you speak, and how you feel. Identity Affirmations: Write down identity-based affirmations, such as “I am magnetic and confident in every conversation I have.” Mirror Practice: Practice being the socially confident version of yourself while looking in the mirror. Focus on embodying that identity through your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. Actionable Tips: Tip 1: When preparing for a social situation, ask yourself, “Who do I need to be in this moment?” rather than “What should I say?” Tip 2: Spend time identifying the qualities of people you admire for their social skills. How do they carry themselves? What beliefs about themselves might they hold? Begin practicing those qualities in your own interactions. Tip 3: Begin to associate with the identity of someone who enjoys social interactions rather than someone who “needs” to become more skilled at them. The joy and ease will naturally follow. Listener Challenge: This week, focus on "being" rather than "doing" in your social interactions. At your next networking event, meeting, or social gathering, consciously embody the identity of a confident and engaging person. Notice how your energy shifts when you lead with “who” you are, not just “what” you say or do. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Download our free guide on shifting your social identity for greater confidence and ease in conversations. Connect with Us: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or share it with someone who could benefit from this message! Follow us on Instagram @susancallendersocialcoach for more tips and insights on how to transform your social interactions.     Don’t even know where to begin in improving your interpersonal skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? Book a Social Strategy Session HERE  Free Guide: The Social Skills Playbook Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com  LinkedIn Instagram TikTok