The Benefits of Knowing Our Identity Beyond Career

Can we always base our identity from our personal view, or mental picture that we have of ourselves, or what others see about us?

Cambridge Dictionary defines identity first and foremost as:

"(WHO YOU ARE)."

Your Identity is more than your job

If someone were to say to us, "my job is my life" or "my identity is based on my job," wouldn't you feel a sense of urgency to consolidate with them? Perhaps we think and/or say, "this person needs a real life!", or even, "get out of the house more often!" Having said this, I believe that most of us have a good sense that our identity isn't simply based on our occupation, income, status, fame, or even what sports team we cheer on.

"Having a sure identity based on facts is steady, unmovable, and dependable."

Feelings can be fleeting and short-lived. Therefore, its important to challenge what we see or picture about ourselves when we look in the mirror. Even more so, in what others say about ourselves. Self-image is a powerful construct that has the power to enrich, confuse or destroy us.

The Power or Destruction of Self-Image

The Mountain State Centers for Independent Living explains self-image like this:

“Self-image is how you perceive yourself. It is a number of self-impressions that have built up over time… These self-images can be very positive, giving a person confidence in their thoughts and actions, or negative, making a person doubtful of their capabilities and ideas.”

Self-image can become our identity when we start to present and act what we perceive about ourselves.

For this reason, when we base our identity on simply feelings or what others see about us, our identity has no sure foundation.

"I thought I was being true to myself, but how do I know what that looked like when I do not know who I am?" - Anonymous

What Should Identity Be Based On?

Instead of relying only on feelings or external opinions, identity should be grounded in more stable factors:

• Core values – what matters most to you

• Consistent behaviors – how you show up over time

• Strengths and abilities – what you can actually do

• Personal standards – how you make decisions

  
  

These don’t change as easily as emotions or external validation.

Final Thoughts on Knowing Your Identity

Identity isn’t something you guess; it’s something you build with clarity over time.

When you understand who you are:

• You make better decisions

• You feel more grounded

• You pursue work that actually fits

  
  

That’s when your career starts to align with your life.

Knowing our identity can be a lot like discovering your core values. In essence, identifying who you are will bring more clarity, meaning, purpose and fulfilment in life.

As a result, you will no longer view your job the same way by realigning who you are through holistic excellence.

Yules Chan (BFA, CWS, CCS) is a CPC registered career development professional in Calgary who is motivated in providing holistic excellence by finding your hidden genius through the world of employment.

Book your complimentary 15-minute career clarity consultation here, or learn more about how I can support your journey at Brilliant Person Career Coaching.