Over time, we construct an identity based on our abilities, beliefs, and aspirations. This identity is reinforced by mechanisms we develop to defend and promote it. However, this process can lead us to conflate our identity with our essence, hindering our growth. Our identity is shaped by our experiences and the belief systems we adopt as our own. Instead of being servants to an inflexible identity, we should aim to cultivate an identity that fosters our growth.
To design yourself, the person you meant to be, you must “forget” who you are today. The analogy of snakes shedding their skin illustrates this beautifully: as snakes grow, their old skin no longer fits, so they shed it to allow for further growth. Embracing this concept is crucial for a fulfilling career and a purpose-driven life.
Take power back to you
Your identity also make it easier for people and businesses to target you based on the category and subcategory you are in.Think about the marketing campaigns for political campaigns, items to buy, etc. To refuse to be identified so precisely, makes it harder for powers and gives power back to you.
You are not your job
When I landed in USA I noticed more and more times how people present themselves. For example is very common to hear in my industry: “I’m a Designer” or even worst “I’m a Senior Designer”. The words that follow “I’m” reveal how closely one ties their self to their identity (and in this case profession).You are not your job. You are who you are. For instance, whenever I’m asked to introduce myself or respond to a direct question, my reply is slightly different: “I’m a dreamer who loves helping people growing through the power of creative thinking”.
Take off your social masks
In school, the idea of social masks really caught my interest. It’s about how people show different sides of themselves in different situations. They wear “masks” to fit into what society expects. Luigi Pirandello, an Italian writer and Nobel Prize winner, often wrote about this. He showed how complex our identities are and the struggles between who we are inside and how we appear to others. Sometimes, this can lead to confusion and questioning our real selves when our inner self doesn’t match the mask we show the world. This can make us wonder who we really are and what’s truly real. Always be true to yourself.
Experiment freely who you want to become
Challenging your identity means thinking deeply, accepting change, and trying things that test your limits. I grew up in a caring family, facing challenges together. My dad went from being an employee to starting his own small business. His kindness and desire to help didn’t bring big business success, though. People say I’m like him, which I love. But, I’ve worried that these traits might hold me back in business too. So, I decided to learn more about being an entrepreneur and how to help businesses succeed. I started questioning my beliefs and trying out the path of entrepreneurship.
