AIM and FIRE Health Principles
Rising Above Our Limited Self - Identity
IDENTITY
Everyone can relate to those times when they feel insignificant and emotionally like a nobody. Likewise, when we feel up and positive we create the momentum of acting and feeling worthwhile, simply like a somebody. Unfortunately, these feeling based strategies of creating self concept or identity are perilous because they are tied to external judgement and accomplishment usually in the eyes of another.
The healthiest relative identity is based upon our current actions derived solely from our intentions. In fact, we control nothing other than our intentions. It is one thing to bring our histories forward and use that learning for today. It is quite another to have our identity attached to history. I am what I am because that is what I was, is a mistake of thinking many people take for granted.
Attachment to history is the cornerstone of conflict and is an absolute drain upon self transformation and loving action. Change can not take place when tied to the weight of yesterday’s strategies.
Many people ask the question, “Who am I,” in one form or another. Psychology in practice asks questions about human traits and attitudes because they are conceived of as persistent and measurable across time. Yet, it is always healthier to have a critical eye to examine the non-viability of historical patterns and beliefs. We are indeed more likely to feel satisfaction with our inquiries if we learn to ask the question, “Who am I right now?” Don’t assume consistency of self. Otherwise, change and development are next to impossible.
From the perspective of self esteem, to fail at a task does not assume the identity of failure and to win in life does not create presumption.