Does What I Do Make Me Who I Am?

Does What I Do Make Me Who I am?

Michelle Braden

Here in America we define ourselves and those around us by what we do. Think about the first question we ask after introducing yourselves…. “So where do you work?” and “what do you do there?” In part, this is good small talk. We naturally ask these questions in succession. The other part has to do with sizing people up. We determine before we even get to know someone whether we think they are successful or not based on how they answer these questions. Is it any wonder why we personally define ourselves on this same measurement? This type of stereotyping begs the question many are now facing, what happens when what we “do” is done away with? What happens when companies go bankrupt, jobs are outsourced, people are downsized or laid off? How then will we define ourselves, our friends, colleagues or family members? Although what we do is obviously important we have to learn a better self-awareness of who we are being. Who we are “being” is who we are, our character, values, beliefs and passions. It is not determined by titles, salary or prestige. To discover who we really are beyond the titles we hold is a challenge. Think for a minute about who you are…. If I asked you to describe yourself could you do so without talking about what you do? The goal is that who we are being works collaboratively with what we do but it does not define us. I recently asked a client of mine while working through the “being” vs. “doing” question, “how would you respond if you lost your job for one reason or another and the only thing you could find was working at a fast food restaurant wiping down tables?” His answer was the best I have ever gotten. He said, “well I guess I would have to work hard and rise to the top in that industry!” Now that is knowing who you are being no matter what you are doing! I want to encourage you whether you are in the most secure position you have ever been in or if you are having to re-define yourself due to job loss – search yourself to know who you are being in this world. Here are some suggestions as you go through this process: Be insightfully straight with yourself. What transformations do you want? What are your personal values, passions, beliefs? Write a paper about who you are. Write a paper about who you want to be. Be in your possibilities. Dream! This can be an eye opening experience if you allow it to be. We would love to hear your feedback on this exercise and if it was beneficial…. As always if you are interested in further assistance or coaching don’t hesitate to give us a call at 804-502-4319/434-293-5758 or info@msbcoach.com.