The new year is here, and with it comes a world of possibilities. If 2025 is the year you want to start or improve your drag, the first step isn’t perfecting your makeup or choosing the perfect stage name. It’s something much deeper: your identity.
This idea is beautifully explored in James Clear’s bestselling book Atomic Habits. Clear challenges the way we approach goals, suggesting that instead of focusing on outcomes, we should focus on the kind of person we want to become. In drag terms: Instead of saying, “My New Year’s resolution is to become a drag artist,” say, “I will start doing things that drag artists do.”
The Two Steps to Changing Your Identity
Clear outlines two simple but powerful steps to shift your identity:
- Decide Who You Want to Be
Ask yourself: What kind of drag artist do you want to be? Perhaps you want to embody glamour, comedy, activism, or all of the above. Define your vision clearly. Your identity shapes your habits, and those habits will create your reality. - Prove It to Yourself with Small Actions
Once you know who you want to be, start taking small actions that align with that identity. Habits are the building blocks of identity, and small consistent steps are how you prove to yourself that you are becoming the person you want to be.
Habits to Start or Improve Your Drag
Here are a few small actions you can incorporate into your daily life to embody the identity of a drag artist:
- Learn Something New About Drag Every Day: Read a book, watch a performance, or take a class (wink wink—this is where Divine Drag School comes in). Learning expands your knowledge and connects you to drag’s rich history and evolving culture.
- Practice a Skill: Whether it’s makeup, sewing, or lip-syncing, commit to practicing for just 10 minutes a day. The consistency will make a huge difference over time.
- Connect with the Community: Drag is all about connection. Follow other drag artists on social media, attend shows, or join a group of like-minded creatives.
Eliminate Habits That No Longer Serve You
Sometimes it’s not about adding habits but removing the ones that hold you back. If there’s something in your routine that clashes with your drag identity—whether it’s procrastination or negative self-talk—work on letting it go. Replace it with habits that empower you.
Why Identity Matters
When you shift your focus from “what” you want to do to “who” you want to be, the process becomes more fulfilling and sustainable. Instead of being daunted by the end goal, you’re celebrating every small step along the way. You’re not just chasing a dream; you’re becoming a drag artist.
Where Divine Drag School Comes In
At Divine Drag School, we’re here to help you embody the drag artist you want to become. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our courses are designed to support your journey. From makeup tutorials to persona development and drag history, we’ve got the resources you need to make 2025 your most fabulous year yet.
Make 2025 Your Year
This year, don’t just set resolutions; build an identity. Decide who you want to be, and take small, powerful actions every day to prove it to yourself. Remember, every step counts, no matter how small. Your drag journey is waiting, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.
Ready to start? Join us at Divine Drag School and let’s make 2025 a year to remember!