(I002) Who am I?
May 10, 2024
Written by Anette Lan
“Who am I.”
In a world often preoccupied with external labels and societal expectations, there lies a profound question: "Who am I?" Beyond the roles we play and the jobs we undertake, this inquiry delves deep into the essence of our being, urging us to explore the core of our identity. In this insight post, I share my journey of self-discovery, how I arrived here, and unravel the importance of defining ourselves not by what we "do" but by the values, beliefs, and passions that shape our most authentic selves.
Join me as we peel back the layers of conditioning and expectation to uncover the heart of our authentic identity, embracing the freedom and empowerment that comes with knowing and honouring who we truly are.
Working with a tenured executive coach sparked my interest in this field during my time as Director of People and Culture years ago. Working alongside driven individuals guided by a leader with a clear vision, mission, and values, I had the privilege of collaborating with a highly successful executive coach. Their clientele included Deloitte Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies winners and Forbes 25 Fastest Growing Companies. Witnessing firsthand the impact of 1:1 coaching sessions as part of our business strategy deeply resonated with me, planting the seed for my path in coaching.
During our initial session, he posed a simple yet profound question: "Who are you?" I responded, "I'm the Director of People and Culture." His subsequent reply was insightful: "That's what you do; that is your role. What I asked is, Who are you?"... A lengthy pause ensued. It felt like a blow to the chest. "Who Am I?" Indeed, that's a question worth pondering.
He mentioned Stephen Covey's renowned work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." In this book, Covey presents a thought-provoking challenge: consider what you want your obituary to say. He urges readers to start with the end in mind, envisioning how they wish to be remembered long after they are gone. This exercise is a powerful tool for clarifying your values, priorities, and long-term aspirations in life.
Creating personal values is a foundational pillar for living an empowered life. It provides a clear framework and guiding principles for decision-making, behaviour, and goal-setting. When you define your core values, you gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters to you and what you stand for. This clarity lets you align your actions and choices with your authentic self, leading to a greater sense of purpose, fulfillment, and direction.
Additionally, having well-defined personal values fosters self-awareness, resilience, and integrity, empowering you to navigate challenges, make meaningful contributions, and cultivate meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Living in alignment with personal values enables you to lead a more intentional, authentic, and empowered life.
In my journey, I've delved into the practice of crafting personal values driven by curiosity and a desire for self-discovery. I've developed a transformative process that yields deeply resonant results through experimentation with various tools such as apps, worksheets, and writing exercises. However, I've learned that this journey requires patience, vulnerability, and introspection. It's about uncovering the words that truly resonate with your core being, igniting a sense of purpose and inspiring meaningful action in your life.
In Susan David's book, "Emotional Agility," she describes a scenario of a woman who identified that she knew without action, a value is just an aspiration rather than the way we are. Join me as I share my core values and guide you through creating and living by your values. Let's embark on this transformative journey together. Subscribe now to unlock actionable practices and insights.
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