Can you succinctly describe who you are?
It took me about a year and a half to settle on this: I am a lover of learning for the sake of the journey of exploring life on an immaterial basis.
The biggest challenge faced by us is that in society, who we are is often intended to mean what do you do? What we do, however, is not who we are.
It may indicate how much we earn and how we spend roughly 25% of our time, not including commuting, lunch and breaks, or overtime. It does not say who we are.
This is closely tied to how society defines success. Society defines success based on material possessions or positions.
I define success based on the extent to which you engage in activities that satisfy who you are.
Who you are is the key and the basis of it is derived from your signature strengths coupled with your desired values.
My concordant values (the best of my signature strengths and desired values) are hope and love of learning, followed by gratitude and honesty.
What makes me feel good and that my time was well spent? When I am actively thinking about what I am reading and writing. When I walk in nature, take in my surroundings, and allow my mind to focus as it may here and there as I go. When I am sharing knowledge with others and engaging with them in conversation.
Having gratitude reinforces the good things I have. Being honest about myself allows me to grow and improve. Being hopeful acknowledges the opportunities that are available be they known or yet to be discovered.
Working through who you are sounds easy, but can be quite challenging when you view it in this manner. Doing so, though, is of great benefit. You gain perspective and make better assessments, which reduces anxiety.
Working with a coach can help you discover yourself in a more essential way.
Resilient Seeker Coaching | Ross Raymond Nunamaker 