In partnership with
Can We Change Timelines?
You’ve probably heard the multi timeline/ multi-verse theory.
And no we’re talking Marvel or Everything, Everywhere at once.
Or quantum Colliders causing the Madeleine effect...
Putting the Quantum physics that every new age person loves to quote aside. Let’s get nerdy with it.
In physics, a quantum jump is a transition between energy states. There is no scientific evidence that your thoughts teleport you into another universe.
But as a metaphor for identity change, quantum jumping is surprisingly useful.
Becoming someone new, can switch your whole life up, but did you know your brain is actively working against you? Keeping you in this “timeline”.
The Science behind self-sabotaging.
So why is it that when we try to change, we get the most resistance.
In two diary studies, researchers found that about 43% of everyday actions were repeated in the same context, usually the same place. People also thought less about habitual actions while performing them. Nearly half your day may therefore be old programming responding to familiar cues—not a fresh decision made by Enlightened You in a linen robe.
(Wood, Quinn & Kashy, 2002)
CUES that cause you into a habit or auto pilot.
So when you are overwhelmed, you do not rise into your highest timeline. You often reload the most practiced one.
Then comes self-sabotage—or, in psychology, self-handicapping.
In a classic experiment, some participants chose a supposed performance inhibiting drug before a test when earlier success left them uncertain about their actual ability.
Why install the obstacle yourself? Because if you fail, the obstacle protects your identity.
Self-sabotage is often an outdated protection strategy, not proof that you are broken.
The fix is repeated, small evidence that a new behavior is safe. Your brain trusts repeated behavioral evidence more than motivational pep talks.
Small Tasks That Slowly Change Your Identity
You do not need to destroy your personality and rebuild it during a three-day spiritual emergency. Identity changes when your brain repeatedly receives evidence that you behave differently now.
Name the old identity.
Write: “I currently see myself as someone who…”
“My current habits that contribute to this identity are.”
Be honest without attacking yourself.Choose one identity upgrade.
DO not say shii like
“I’m healing or becoming perfect.”
Instead say: “I walk it like I talk it.” or
“I’m becoming someone who keeps promises to myself.”Shrink the proof.
Pick an action that takes under five minutes:
write one paragraph, walk around the block, or save five dollars.
(Depending on what you’re trying to prove.)Create an if-then rule.
“If I make coffee, then I write for 30 minutes.”
“If I write for 5 minutes I can doom scroll for 5 mins.”Keep one tiny promise daily.
Your brain builds self-trust through completed evidence—not dramatic speeches in the mirror.Interrupt one automatic pattern.
When triggered, wait ten minutes before texting, quitting, shopping, or declaring your life cursed.Change one environmental cue.
Put the book on your pillow. Delete the doordash app. (lol) Keep the guitar visible. Make the new behavior easier to launch.Record your behavioral votes.
Each night, write one sentence:
“Today I proved I’m becoming someone who…”
“These are the things I’m doing to becoming the highest version of me.”Practice being seen differently.
Share your work, state a boundary, accept a compliment, or ask for what you need without being manipulative.Expect identity withdrawal.
The new behavior may feel fake, uncomfortable, or embarrassing. Unfamiliar does not mean inauthentic.Recover without becoming dramatic.
Missing one day does not mean the old timeline won. Restart at the next opportunity.Review the evidence after 30 days.
Ask: “What do my repeated actions and habits now suggest about who I am?”
You do not become a new person overnight. You slowly make the old description inaccurate.
Loser logging off.
Legend Loading.
Check out our sponsors below.
Tech moves fast, but you're still playing catch-up?
That's exactly why 200K+ engineers working at Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.
Here's what you get:
Curated tech news that shapes your career - Filtered from thousands of sources so you know what's coming 6 months early.
Practical resources you can use immediately - Real tutorials and tools that solve actual engineering problems.
Research papers and insights decoded - We break down complex tech so you understand what matters.
All delivered twice a week in just 2 short emails.