We are not what we do
We are not what we do
When we attach who we are to our title and what we do, it leads to an un-constructive sense of self. What happens when you can no longer do what you do? When the job title you had gets taken away?
There is a strong link between what we do and who we are for a lot of us. It brings a sense of identity; identity is vital for creating transformation within ourselves.
When we attach who we are to our title and what we do, it leads to an un-constructive sense of self. It gives us a sense of self-worth by what we accomplish, and when times are slow, and there's less to do, we feel less satisfied and less valuable.
What happens when you can no longer do what you do? When the job title you had gets taken away? What happens when you lose your job and all that you worked for suddenly disappears?
It's critical to have more than one identity. We are more than what we do. We are more than the title we hold.
For the past two weeks, I was sick. I went on a journey with COVID-19. No, I don't know how I got it, honestly. That's why I haven't been releasing a new post every week for the last two weeks. But could I have? Sure, I could have pushed myself to pick up a half-written piece I had in my library and finished it. I mean, I did commit to myself to release one post a week. So what gives? Why didn't I follow through with my commitment to myself?
It's crucial to know which identities have priority over others. While I live the identity of the Sunday Spark writer, which I'm committed to, I'm also committed to a healthy body and mind and was prioritizing my physical and mental wellbeing long before I decided to be the Sunday Spark writer.
When we lose sight of what is important to us, who we indeed are, it creates tension, stress and anxiety in ourselves and leaves us to behave in ways that are not conducive nor sustainable.
When times are tough, and we need to make choices, which identities will you prioritize?
I'm glad to be back and healthy and look forward to sharing more posts that challenge us to think differently.
Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.
It's been almost a full year since I've "worked" as a developer/architect/whatever... and I still identify as one. But I've certainly lost the viewpoint that it's what is my identity. I've gone back to what I really wanted to do several years ago: find a way to help small businesses not get screwed over by (tech) companies who will sell them a pig in a poke for thousands / tens of thousands of dollars when they don't need it. Even that, though, doesn't give me identity. Maybe it's really just a desire to help whoever that works out? Good questions to think about :) And glad you're both recovered from Covid!!