Written by: Andrée Funnell, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The theoretical and mental understanding of your own existence is known as ‘self-identity’. It is the combination of your understanding and awareness of your inner self. People sometimes get confused between the concept of self-consciousness and self-identity. So what do they mean?
Self-Consciousness
The awareness of one’s self
Self-identity
Includes the psychological, physical and social qualities of an individual. These attributes get reflected through an individual’s beliefs, habits and ideas.
“In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity.” ‒ Erik Erikson
In today’s hectic and mechanical world, we neglect or simply forget who we are and what position we hold in society. Have you ever thought about your identity in society and failed to come up with an answer?
To help you undercover your self-identify ask yourself the following questions:
Who am I?
What do I represent?
What am I known for?
What do people think of me?
What is my purpose and passion in life?
What are my core values?
Do I present my authentic (whole) self to the world or do I act as an imposter?
What or who prevents me from achieving what I seek in life?
What difference or contribution do I make to others and the world?
What is my legacy
By asking these questions it will help you to understand your value and place in society and discover your real identity. However, self-identity is not realised by vaguely asking yourself some questions but it is about self-awareness. If you are unable to determine your purpose and passion in life, it is likely that you will not be able to discover your true nature or identify. Having clarity about who you are, what you want and how to get it will help you to live a fulfilled, happy and successful life. Knowing your true identity and direction in life will help you journey on a path to achieve self-development and growth.
Today’s society is pressurised and social expectations are extremely high. Social media plays a big part in influencing social norms and behaviours of others both good and bad.
How much leverage and influence does media have on your self-identity, how you behave, act, react and think?
To maintain the true identity of a society, it is important the people should adopt positive and normal behaviour that is free from lies, deception and in-authenticity. In other words be AUTHENTIC, believe and love yourself for who you are and what you represent. A true behavior does not mean that people should always live under the spell of ethics and values.
Authenticity – being your true self
Authentic means ‘from the source or origin’. It is the raw, naked, unhindered expression of beingness of the soul. That’s why we say, ‘being authentic’, not ‘doing authentic’.
Do you remember when you were a child and you were free to simply be? You were uninhibited, saying and doing what you truly wanted. Children are real, liberated and authentic – for a while at least. As we grow up we become conditioned to act and respond in a certain way in order to conform to society or culture. We are also conditioned to be fearful, anxious and stressed.
The most prominent problem that a large number of people face today is the anxiety or tension. This anxiety occurs through various sources, such as from your own self or from the notions of society. You should not lead the life of a recluse and need to interact and relate to others around you. Through tensions of everyday life, it is important to believe in yourself and choose to ignore the taunts and negative thinking of others. Listen to your instinct, know who you are and what you want from life and using grit determination, make the magic happen to achieve the success you deserve and desire.
There are various methods to overcome the stress and anxiety that is due to the problems of self-identity and place in the society.
Ten top tips
Read or listen to motivational and inspirational books, podcasts, webinars, etc.
Replace negative thinking with the positive thinking and mindset
Seek help from a coach, counsellor or therapist
Get clarity on your PURPOSE and PASSION in life
Meditate or practice mindfulness, yoga or other therapeutic treatments
Determine your legacy story
Identify your core values
Read my book ‘Behind the Mask’ an interactive self-help book about living authentically and discovering your true self
Exercise at least 3 times a week
Identify your strengths and weaknesses
In summary, self-awareness and self-control are important factors that prove beneficial in knowing yourself and your strengths and weaknesses so that the external threats can be faced with great courage and zeal.
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ‒ Oscar Wilde
‘Behind the Mask’ is Andree’s literary debut about ‘Authenticity.’ It’s an essential interactive step-by-step guide to self-discovery to help you turn your life around and discover your self-identify chapter by chapter – www.behind-the-mask-book.com
Call me today 07702 818665 to arrange a 15 minute Clarity Call to find out how I can help you discover your identity and achieve the success and growth you want in your life. Alternatively email me training@afcconsultants.co.uk
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, connect with me on LinkedIn and visit my website for more info!
Andrée Funnell, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Andrée is a multi-award-winning Coach, Learning & Development Consultant, best-selling author, and speaker. She is the founder and driving force behind the success of Aspiring Future Competence (AFC). Since its inception in 2002, AFC has helped clients across a wide range of business sectors to get visible, get heard, and get ahead by applying inspirational ways to bring about positive change and empowerment. She has over 20 years of HR & training experience working in corporate organizations and a further 20 years delivering development solutions that make a difference to people’s careers and lives. She is a qualified coach, professional trainer, and NLP Practitioner. She discovered that Authenticity is the key to happiness, fulfillment, and success and is keen to get the message out there to others. ‘Behind the Mask’ is Andrée’s literary debut about ‘Authenticity.’ It’s an essential interactive step-by-step guide to turning your life around and achieving the kind of life you deserve by living authentically.
