Identity influences ________

All decisions matter.

Some decisions matter more than others.

Who we decide to be matters most.

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Identities

We create fences of fear or fields of freedom,

depending if “I am” affirmed or condescended.

We determine our actions for “I am” who we intend to currently be and to futurely become.

“I am” listening, craving, wanting to be our encouraging and uplifting self-concepts.

We struggle to evolve when “I am” too narrow.

We thrive when “I am” adaptive and versatile.

We handle life’s ebbs-and-flows when aware of…

who “I am” and who “I am” not.

For excellence, we must align with core values.

Neglect or take care of what’s said after “I am,” we choose.

We cause hesitation when endeavors oppose our views.

“I am” the main factor whether we win or we lose.

My definition: ‘repeated beingness,’

therefore“I am” the same as our behaviors.

When crystallized with certainty, we energize.

When kept vague with ambiguity, we exhaust.

We provide constancy, consistency, and credibility.

Will we come up short of our dreams or go far?

It all comes down to…

“I am” so we are.

— Composition by MG, a spinoff The Habit Poem

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Our intention captures our attention.

Our attention affects our actions.

Our actions change the course of our kismet.

What gives birth to our intention? Identity.

Who decides our identity? We do, daily — life designs us and then we get to design our lives.

How do we create a life-giving identity? Vision, Voyage, Values.

Vision: Create a compelling future, one worth living into, full of meaning and responsibility. We set a vision, then go on a voyage towards it. A vague vision leaves us drifting, loitering, wandering aimlessly — we feel empty as a byproduct of doubtful indecision. A clear vision pulls us forward with senses of purpose and vitality — we experience presence as a result of intentional clarity. Who do we deeply desire to become in six months, one year, a decade from now? Where do we desire to live? What do we want to specifically be doing?

Voyage: Through and in relationships, we discover our true authentic selves. Amidst adversities, we find out what and who really matters. When blessed enough to come across happiness, like the sun popping out from behind clouds, are we aware enough to realize its sources? Who is beside us when we experience visceral enjoyment? And, more importantly, who consoles us when we face life’s greatest disappointments, challenges, and sufferings? Fulfilling voyages, from where we are now to who we wish to become, demand activities aligned with our core, heart-centered values.

Values: What’s most important to us? These tangibles and intangibles are the pieces of the identity puzzle, genuinely and truly us. These principles are derived from our authentic personalities — extraverts cherish social engagements whereas introverts prize quality time alone, for examples. These values are cultivated by our earliest experiences and influences, too. These values create a solid foundation to adventure out from. What are our core values? Are they similar to faith, family, and friends; are they akin to health, love, and work that serves others? Understanding one’s own values is the pathway to understanding one’s identities, ones he or she is divinely meant to be.

Incentives start a habit. Identity sustains a habit.

– James Clear, best-selling author of Atomic Habits

Two elements affect human behavior: pleasure and pain. As noted above, the pleasure of living in alignment with one’s core values, essence, and vital identities is invaluable. This pleasure is the passionate fuels that sustains individuals long-term. Pain often ignites motivated action, in the beginning. Pain is the ultimate leverage. Pain incentives someone to calibrate through chaos, to start, to initiate immense initiative. The best performers at his or her crafts are always pushed by great pain (heartbreak) and pulled by great pleasure (victory) — those are the catalysts for their greatness.

Wilma Rudolph started sprinting to defy limitations put on her by a polio diagnosis. She sustained her Track & Field excellence by becoming a trailblazer for women in sports and a civil rights activist against segregation. Her vision, voyage, and values led her to winning three gold medals in the 1960 Rome Olympics; as a result, the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award was created to honor her legacy.

Depression, loneliness, and a lack of love from his father drove Winston Churchill to stand up and be counted throughout his early years. When elected as UK’s Prime Minister in May of 1940, Churchill embraced an identity as the last possible protagonist against the evil villain, Adolf Hitler. His vision, voyage, and values allowed him to assert himself and Allies Powers in resistance to Nazi Germany and the Axis Powers; consequently, Churchill was given numerous leadership honors for his authentic bravery.

Despite being told “no” 44 times by various record labels and finding zero signs of success for over four years, Xero renamed itself to Hybrid Theory and then to Linkin Park. Every rejection became a divine redirection as the music band found its identity as a voice for ignored rebels. “In the End,” a song with over three billion downloads, exemplified how Linkin Park transformed pain into purpose-driven pleasure. A decade after their original formation, Linkin Park reached #1 on the Billboard 200, collaborated with Jay-Z, and became one of the most influential bands of the 21st century. Their vision, voyage, and indefatigable values turned scars into stars.

Pain catalyzes change.

Pleasure enthuses endurance.

Identity influences everything.

- MG