Have you ever stopped to think –really think, about who you are?
Sure, you probably have a number of titles, job descriptions, duties that you fulfill, and hats that you wear –but at the end of the day, who are you, really?
While other people often label us based on external observations, this doesn’t necessarily mean that’s who we are. Even assigning yourself an identity doesn’t often go deep enough.
The best way to determine who someone is isn’t by listening to their description of themselves. Instead, one’s identity is caught up in what they do. What do they make a habit of? What do they do in their spare time –when no one’s watching, and there’s no one they’re trying to impress? Who you are, in essence, is what you do. Your identity is interlinked to your actions.
Pretty sobering though, isn’t it?
According to statistics, only one in three Americans are truly happy. This means that two out of three of us aren’t happy with our lives and are perhaps looking to change things. Unfortunately though, all too often, while we may have an end goal in mind, few of us are willing to put in the effort needed to reach that destination.
Being aware that you are what you do, provides tremendous motivation –and hope. It tells you that you have the potential to change, and have it within your power to map out your future. By making a conscious effort to change your actions, you will be able to change your identity! Pretty inspiring stuff!
If you’re looking to enact change in your life, start by identifying what it is you want to be, and then work towards reaching that goal by taking positive steps in the right direction. Here’s how you can shapeshift your identity, and become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
Find Your Passion
Is your identity caught up in what you love? If not, then maybe it’s time to make some changes. The best way enact lasting change, is having a reason for it. It’s important to work from a top down perspective, to start by setting a goal, and then taking actionable steps to reach it. For example, instead of trying to act like a successful person, instead delve deeper than that. Define, what, exactly success looks like to you and then develop a plan to make it happen.
Lasting change stems from passion, so do some digging and discover yours. Visualize your ideal future. Ask yourself which role makes you happy, inspires you, and fills you to the brim with absolute excitement? What’s you dream, your purpose, your true calling? If you’ve thought of something that is interesting, but doesn’t fill you with a sense of purpose and excitement –you’re not there yet. Keep thinking until you land on something that makes you absolutely enthusiastic and motivated: that’s your passion.
Set Goals In Line With Your Passion: Start Making Purposeful Choices
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” –Aristotle.
Life isn’t about one major event; rather, it’s the seemingly mundane, small events that contribute to the overall picture of our lives. Our daily actions contribute to the mosaic that is our lives, one situation at a time. While day-to-day actions may seem insignificant, it’s important to remember that everything that we do contributes in a real way to the bigger picture. Those moments that seem unimportant contribute to the larger whole.
One of the best ways to get on track for real change, is by setting realistic and achievable goals, and then taking real steps towards reaching them.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word change means, “To make different.” In order to make your life different, you must take action, take control, and change things for yourself. Real change is the result of making purposeful changes, and that will be reflected in the everyday choices that you make.
Be Proactive Instead of Reactive
Living purposefully means adopting a proactive mindset, instead of a reactive one. By setting goals that you are passionate about, and actively working towards reaching them, you will be living proactively. Instead of simply trying to make it through the day and responding to situations as they arise, you’ll be on track and working towards something. Your day-to-day actions will reflect your drive and vision, and before long, your life will start to change in line with your vision and purpose.
Finally, it’s important to remember that while change doesn’t happen overnight, it will happen. Dream big, reach for the stars and don’t give up. Start taking steps in the right direction, and watch as what you do, slowly starts to become more in line with who you want to be.
What do you do every day? Do your everyday tasks leave you feeling fulfilled or distracted and overwhelmed? Share your experiences with us.