Identity is, well, Our Identity.

In many cases, we have an Identity which has been embraced by ourselves, crafted by ourselves and also projected upon us by friends and family.

What Is Identity?

“Identity” involves a vast spectrum of relationships, experiences, memories and values to create an answer to “Who am I?” In addition, we have an amalgam of these Identities which overlap too over time, as we acquire new skills and uncover our own interests and directions in life.

With all these influences, our Identity may seem more like a mosaic than a single marble statue.

Let’s establish the definition of Identity through a dictionary definition.

identity noun iden·ti·ty | \ ī-ˈden-tə-tē  , ə-, -ˈde-nə- \

• 1a: the distinguishing character or personality of an individual : INDIVIDUALITY

•   b: the relation established by psychological identification

• 2: the condition of being the same with something described or asserted establish the identity of stolen goods

• 3a: sameness of essential or generic character in different instances b: sameness in all that constitutes the objective reality of a thing : ONENESS

• 4: an equation that is satisfied for all values of the symbols

Once we understand the parameters of Identity, then we can use this understanding to transform our lives toward our goals.

Think about it this way: A New Identity means a New Direction because you are entering new worlds with new experiences, contacts, insights and actions. For example, if I wanted to become an Impressionist Painter, then I am focusing on this world in numerous aspects. I may study the history, technique, reaction, appreciation of Cezanne, Monet, Caillebotte, Manet, Degas, and more. I would be attending classes, exhibits and meeting people. Perhaps I take a trip to the Musee D’Orsay in Paris to take in the actual amazing breadth of these masterpieces.

Emotions Tied to Identity

When one thinks of Identity in the strongest possible terms, a central key to Identity are the Human Emotions and not necessarily the Logical Mind. All the “logic’ floating around in one’s head actually works against a new Identity.

This Inner Voice (which I call the “Inner Roommate”) are all the reasons against my new direction and Identity such as:

• “The odds are against you becoming a painter and making a living.”

• “There is so much competition.”

• “You never went to a prestigious art school.”

• “Only those who started real young can be artists.”

Your logical Inner Voice hammers down your ambitious heartfelt desire. So taking up your Logical Identity won’t serve you well. If your enthusiastic heartfelt ambition is to paint, then the key is to lead with the Heart Forward. And the put the Logical Mind in its place to logically get you there.

I am a World War II history junkie, having read a thousand books on the subject over the decades. When Marines had to take a machine gun nest on a vicious battlefield like Tarawa, they didn’t do it logically (well, logically you had to take the machine gun nest to move up the island), but the emotional component of “I’m not letting my buddy down” compels one to take action in such deadly circumstances. Now, your emotional decision is probably not this dire and deadly.

But what if it was?

The compelling emotional need to accomplish a Goal with urgency drives us right through objections, difficulties, doubts and more. In the TV show “Breaking Bad”, the chemistry school teacher has a terminal illness, causing him to embrace the ‘cooking’ of the illegal drug meth to provide enough money for his family. His compelling emotional reason leads him to deadly and dark transformations. Not good.

But what is you had such a sense of urgency. How can you take your “Ten Year Plan” and accomplish it within six months? Not logical, but emotional drive is going to compel you to action.

Combine Emotions with Identity

With this emotional cue, you combine it with your new Identity. If you want to become an Impressionist Painter, then mentally create, embrace and feel the moments when:

• You have your own Art Exhibit

• You have family and friends (the most skeptical people of our dreams) stand in stunning amazement at your skill.

• You win an award for your Painting.

Identity + Emotion=Transformation

The emotional state, combined with your “I am an Impressionist Painter” identity will meld together and create urgency, insight and resources in your mind. This shift creates a hyperfocus which is part of the Reticular Articulating System (more on this later). Identity plays a crucial role in our outlook, planning and accomplishment.

Exercise: Watching this video, open your notebook.  Start writing down your WHY and the various identities that accomplish this WHY.  Free form.  Don't think, just write.  Let your information and brainstorming just Flow through the page. 

Flow is a key to brainstorming to a better life.

Go with your Unique Flow.