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BOOMLeader Dr. Tom Webb

I was wrong.

Published about 2 months ago • 1 min read

04.23.25

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Where Dr. Tom Webb sparks your curiosity and inspires action!

Team BOOM,

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For years, I misunderstood what motivates people to change.

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As a principal—and a coach at heart—I always pull for the underdog. If a student was teetering on the edge of making a team, I’d encourage the coach to give them a shot. Then I’d tell the student, “honor the opportunity.” I believed the opportunity itself would inspire new behaviors.

But time and again, I became frustrated when nothing changed.

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Later, I adjusted: “You’ve earned this opportunity,” I’d say. “Let me support you in honoring it.” Still… not much changed.

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Then it hit me: Opportunity alone doesn’t change behavior. Identity does.

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That shift changed everything.

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This year, we had a student struggling with attendance, behavior, and character choices. He barely made the track team. The first few weeks? No improvement. Same habits. Same patterns.

Until we changed the language.

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We started calling him a track star. He started acting like one. “Track stars show up every day.” “Track stars have a positive attitude.” “Track stars do the right thing.”

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He started believing it. And more importantly—he started acting like it. The transformation was real. Why? Because his behaviors began to align with his new identity.

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This isn’t just for students. It’s true for teammates, co-workers, your own kids—even yourself.

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🔥 The BOOM Formula: Believe It -- Decide who you want to become. Then prove it with small wins.

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🚨 Opportunity doesn’t change behavior. Identity does.

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👉 Want real change? Fill in this sentence:

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I am a __ who __. (Identity → Action)

​(Post this formula on X)​

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Examples:

I am a leader who listens first and speaks with purpose.

I am a father who shows up, even on the hard days.

I am a teacher who brings clarity and calm to every room I enter.

I am a business owner who finishes what I start.

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Want to change your actions? Start by shifting your identity.

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Believe it. Live it. BOOM!

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Tom

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Please hit forward and share this link with a friend so they can join Team BOOM!​

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Meet me at www.boomleader.com.

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PO Box 534, Carterville, IL 62918
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BOOMLeader Dr. Tom Webb

I want YOU to join TEAM BOOM!

I've always been a driven person, but even the most motivated leaders need a nudge to get started and support to keep going. That’s why I created TEAM BOOM—a vibrant community of action-takers dedicated to improving themselves and their organizations. As a BOOMLeader, you’ll gain proven strategies to take your personal and professional growth to the next level, a powerful network of like-minded individuals who inspire and challenge you, and the motivation and tools to WIN in the Game of Life! Together, we’ll share ideas, celebrate wins, and tackle challenges head-on. This is your invitation to join a team that’s all about action, impact, and sustainable success. Join TEAM BOOM today and let’s start building the future you’ve always envisioned!

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