Theme of the Week: Identity
Brother,
Earlier this week, we spoke about identity and how easily it becomes attached to titles, roles, and external validation. The problem with this is that when we attach our worth to things that will inevitably change or disappear, our identity feels broken or incomplete. Here is a simple exercise you can use to untangle your identity from things that are not meant to define you.
This weekend, set aside five minutes and write down a few labels or titles you currently hold in your life. For example: I am a friend. I am an employee. I am a business owner. I am an athlete. Write whatever is true for you.
Once you have your list, look at each title. If you are a good friend, what qualities/character traits define you in that role? Loyal, patient, protective? If you are an athlete, are you disciplined, hardworking, resilient? If you are a business owner, are you determined, accountable, consistent?
Then shift the language from titles to character traits. Instead of focusing on the title, write: I am loyal. I am determined. I am disciplined.
It is important to remember that titles and successes describe what you do, while character and values describe who you are.
The meaningful qualities you have are not dependent on a title. When identity is rooted in character, it becomes more stable. With a strong and grounded sense of identity, you are less shaken by external events and more equipped to move through the world.
As you enter the weekend, discover your identity beneath the titles. Always remember that you have inherent worth and identity, regardless of your job, physical abilities, possessions, or external achievements.
Stay strong, even when you are not. It is okay, you are not alone.
With love always,
Michael Argyrides
Path to Becoming
