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
Final Thoughts on Knowing Our Identity
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.
For more information go to Brilliant Person Career Coaching or call +1 (403) 891-2673 for a 15-minute complimentary consultation. We provide both in-person and online services.