Identity is Trained, Not Inherited: Anifilipova Analyzes Eileen Gu’s Approach to Self-Improvement

In a recent LinkedIn post, Anifilipova shares reflections on personal growth and identity, drawing inspiration from an interview with Olympic athlete Eileen Gu. Anifilipova highlights Gu’s perspective on continuous self-improvement, framing identity not as a fixed inheritance but as a product of deliberate training and practice.

Anifilipova introduces the core idea by recounting Gu’s response to a reporter’s question about her thought process. Gu described her approach not as ego-driven, but as a constant process of “tinkering” with the goal of improvement.

“From the angle of: how can I improve? How can I become better? How can I become the person my younger self would have loved?”

This concept, Anifilipova argues, has significant implications for professionals navigating a rapidly changing world. Many individuals, she observes, become settled in their ways, believing their identity is fixed by past experiences and established reputations.

The Malleability of Identity

Anifilipova challenges this notion by referencing scientific understanding of brain plasticity. She points out that the brain continues to adapt and rewire throughout life, influenced by consistent actions, thoughts, and practices.

As Anifilipova notes, “The brain stays plastic into your eighties — it rewires based on what you repeatedly do, think, and practice. Not as fast as in your twenties. But it still does.” This scientific backing suggests that personal identity, even later in life, remains a trainable aspect of self.

Embracing Change and Continuous Learning

The implication for professionals, according to Anifilipova, is that they can actively shape their future selves. This requires a conscious shift in mindset and approach.

Anifilipova elaborates on the necessary steps:

• Start thinking about different things.
• Begin accepting different approaches.
• Cultivate the belief that change is possible.

She further explains Gu’s self-description as a “thinker-er,” someone who treats their mind as an ongoing experiment. This mindset, Anifilipova emphasizes, is universally accessible.

“That’s available to all of us. At any age.”

The post concludes with a powerful reminder about the present’s role in shaping the future. Anifilipova states that the person an individual will become in five years is being constructed by the questions they ask themselves today.

“The person you’ll be in five years is being built right now — in the questions you’re asking yourself today. So train them well.”

Anifilipova encourages readers to actively engage in this process of self-training and continuous development, suggesting that intentionality in thought and action is key to personal evolution.