Identity

• Goals
  • Describe identity.
  • Evolve a strong and useful identity.
  • Guide others in their journey of identity growth.

Identity (What)

Identity is the evolving integration of your {purpose, values, roles, and priorities}, expressed through your actions and behaviors.

Identity is your internal compass, your unique sense of self. It’s the answer to the question “who am I?”.

As noted

1. The four essential elements of identity are {purpose, values, roles, and priorities}

2. Identity involves self and groups.

   • The unique stuff that makes you, you: things like your looks, personality, how you act around others, and your hobbies.

   • The groups you belong to and the roles you play in life, like your family, job, or cultural background.

   • Basically, your identity is all the things that make you who you are, both the things that are only yours and the ones you share with others.

Examples of Identity

1. Maria, the Artist: “I’ve always felt most like myself covered in paint, completely lost in creating something new. Being an artist is more than a job; it’s how I express myself and see the world.”

2. David, the Teacher: “I find my purpose in helping others learn. There’s a real joy in seeing that spark of understanding ignite in a student’s eyes. Being a teacher is more than a profession; it’s my identity.”

3. Aisha, the Community Organizer: “I feel strongest when I’m working alongside others to make a positive change. Standing up for what’s right and fighting for justice is what makes me feel whole. Being a community organizer is who I am at my core.”

4. Omar, the Skateboarder: “The freedom and creativity of skateboarding are what define me. Pushing my limits on the board and expressing myself through movement—that’s where I feel most like myself.”

5. Li, the Granddaughter: “My family history and traditions are incredibly important to me. Carrying on what came before me and honoring my ancestors—that’s a big part of who I am. Being a granddaughter is a core part of my identity.”

Identity as Multifaceted

Identity is multifaceted, meaning it has many sides or aspects that come together to form a whole. It’s like a diamond with multiple facets that catch the light and create its brilliance. Here’s why identity is multifaceted:

• Multiple Roles: We all play different roles in life. You might be a student at school, an athlete on the field, a goofball with your friends, and a responsible helper at home. Each role brings out different aspects of who you are.

• Intersecting Traits: Your characteristics and beliefs can overlap and influence each other. For instance, your love for animals (interest) might connect to your belief in environmental protection (value) and lead you to volunteer at an animal shelter (social role).

• Fluid and Evolving: Your identity isn’t set in stone. As you experience life, your interests might change, your values might evolve, and the roles you play might shift. This ongoing journey shapes who you are at any given point.

• Internal vs. External: Your sense of self is influenced by both your own perception and how others see you. While these perspectives may not always align, they both contribute to the multifaceted nature of your identity.

• Interconnected Pieces: The various aspects of your identity aren’t separate compartments. They interact and influence each other. For example, your cultural background (heritage) might shape your hobbies (cooking traditional dishes) and your social circles (community events).

Rationale

Here are some reasons for growing a strong identity.

1. Love yourself as who you are.

2. Accept yourself as who you are with all your flaws.

3. Have a compass that guides you.

4. Have focus and direction.

Strong Identity How To

Repetitions. Repeat the following actions in ways that provide positive payoffs.

1. Purpose: Define your core purpose(s) in life.
2. Values: Identify and prioritize your moral, professional, social, and personal values.
3. Roles: Recognize your responsibilities and areas of care.
4. Priorities: Determine and act on your most important objectives.
5. Reflective Thinking (RT): Regularly analyze your identity to maximize benefits, minimize drawbacks, and plan future actions.