Sense of Identity -

Answers: How do you see yourself?

Why Sense of Identity is Important to Resilience

Sense of Identity is integral to all of the self-senses. Examining this sense provides one with a better understanding of who they are as a unique person. As a resilient person, one has good feelings about oneself, and one’s positive self-esteem is buoyed by a commitment to personal improvement and growth. One has the emotional intelligence to control the equilibrium between feeling, thinking, and doing, and has honest awareness of one’s own abilities and interests, strengths, and limitations. With all of this, one has cultivated reliance on healthy outlets that do not depend on artificial crutches or feel-good escapes.

Unless we base our sense of identity upon the truth of who we are, it is impossible to attain true happiness. —Brenda Shoshanna

Without a Strong Sense of Identity …

Without a strong, positive Sense of Identity … you may not have the confidence to speak up or advocate for yourself when needed, and aspects of your life may feel out of sync. When adversity strikes, you may potentially see yourself in a victim role and not in a position to influence outcomes. You may begin to rely on unhealthy and potentially destructive coping mechanisms.

The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. —Ernest Hemingway

Action Planning

If you want to develop your Sense of Identity further … dedicate time to getting to know yourself better and increasing your overall self-awareness. It is important for you: 1) to be honest in assessing both your strengths and weaknesses, 2) to accept yourself as you are now, and 3) to consider who you are meant to be. As you go through this process, be open to specific opportunities to make a change, in attitude or action, that results in a more positive self-image.

Possible Actions – Perceive & Ponder

Assess your overall strengths and weaknesses and ask yourself: 1) Do I have a realistic understanding of my strengths and limitations? 2) Do I like and accept who I am now or are there changes I hope to implement?
Conduct an examination of conscience, taking an honest look at yourself to identify unhealthy habits to stop or avoid and healthy habits to start, maintain or increase.

Possible Actions – Engage & Connect

Consider what changes, in attitude or action, may help you grow and result in a more positive self-image.
Meditate and/or pray (for guidance) to understand yourself better (how you were designed or ‘are wired’, what skills you have, strengths/weaknesses).

Possible Actions – Plan & Pursue

Look for opportunities and tools to gain insight and understanding of your sense of identity.
Seek personal or professional help if needed – work with a coach, counselor, therapist, spiritual director, or other professional if more intensive work is needed to strengthen this sense of self.