Do you think you know who you really are? Have you ever taken time to get to know yourself?
POP QUIZ:
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your identity?
I bet you I can answer that question at least 9 out of 10 times, with you identifying yourself as your job or career.
So many of us view our life through our job/career. This is the wrong identity to connect with. I wonder how many of you actually know who you are outside of your career. Have you ever thought about things you like to do? Interests? Hobbies? Hanging out with friends or family? Have you ever thought about what it would be like not to be just your career?
In today’s society, professionals are often rewarded by working longer hours to obtain prestige, promotions, and more money. Many professionals are working way beyond 40 hours each week, reducing the number of hours they spend with family, loved ones and the things they enjoy. Most people believe that the more time you spend at work, the more productive and more important you are. But is this really the case?
The data suggest that working more (50-60 hours) actually is not good for you or for your company.
So, as you look at your life, does it really matter how much you work and strive for? Do you think you are irreplaceable? Do you think the company cannot continue on without you?
SPOILER ALERT:
Guess what?
You are just a number and you are replaceable.
So now that your identity is shattered, what should you do? I would recommend starting to look at your life outside of work and putting some energy and effort into developing your real self. You need to think about your own purpose in life. This purpose will help guide you as you re-create your life and work. It will help you discover your identity beyond work.
To discover this new identity, you must create balance with your life and work. It will be important to focus on those outside activities and interests along with focusing on your work activities. At times, there may be some imbalance due to unusual demands either at home or work, but you want to make sure that you re-balance once you’ve met those demands. Focus on activities like exercise, hobbies, adventure, meditation, journaling, affirmations, and reading, to name a few on the personal side. Also, set up boundaries for when work stops and personal life begins, to help you separate the “personal you” from the “work you”.
It is important that you set aside time each week to reflect on where you are in your life – both professionally and personally This will allow you to foster a greater independence from a demanding schedule at work. You need to ask yourself whether you are taking care of yourself through your routines and habits that allows you to nourish your soul while maintaining your professional aspirations. This way you are able to see how you’re doing each week taking care of yourself, connecting with your family and nourishing your life. In the end, you are just a number at work.
But you are so much more than a number. You are a unique and amazing human being with so much to offer beyond the 9 to 5.
BE YOU!
GO OUT AND LIVE LIFE!!