How to Embrace your Different Identities without Sacrificing One Role

We all play many different roles in life. There is power in associating yourself with multiple titles. There are almost always communities attached to these identities. And there is no shame in giving up one identity, temporarily or otherwise, to work on another.

I care about these different self-given associations. Not only am I a marketer at work, outside of this core role I am a lifelong learner, creative, and mover. It’s what I do, and who I am.

By diversifying my interests into very different identities, my passionate nature is reinforced. I’m a researcher to my core. Once a topic pipes my interest, I’m all in. So, as a result, I have many curiosities.

I believe one’s identity is defined by the thoughts and behaviors of an individual.

An identity can be reinforced by a community. But it’s also who you are, with or without people.

By associating myself with multiple roles and groups, I become and am genuinely interested in this big ol’ life thing. I’m lucky: I give myself the resources to fulfill these identities, but I still struggle to meet some identities consistently. Saying I’m a creative is one thing, but actually practicing my crafts (writing, collaging, dancing, filmmaking, etc) is another.

Here’s how I make my identities come to life and how you can, too!

1. Make time to practice this role.

I’m all about systems, so the biggest foundation to fulfilling an identity is time. You have to schedule it. In so doing, you recognize the process too, more than the progress. The result will come after (and during) the hard work.

I write about systems and schedules all over this website. “Finding” time can be shifting the morning routine to focus on YOU. It can mean giving yourself time to “double duty” two activities simultaneously. Or maximizing your commute time. These last two? Work in progress. I’d like to start listening to books, at the gym and on the way to work.

2. Create a positive environment to focus on this identity.

If this is an identity you care about, you’ll surround yourself with it by creating a reinforcing environment. I identify as a lifelong learner, but have neglected reading in recent weeks. Though I’ve started listening to Alie Ward’s Ologies podcast, that does not substitute reading time.

An easy schedule update that I’ve pushed off? Reading before bedtime. In addition to the bookshelf in my living room and the set of books perched on my bedside table, I just thrifted a “book chair” to honor my current read. I also want to make or buy book posters. I love minimalist covers and quotes. Reading is my happy place, so I want to have the physical represent the mental with artwork. And by making the posters myself, I am creating, too.

3. Don’t be afraid to compartmentalize your different roles.

This is a mental way of giving yourself headspace. I don’t write about work much and am okay with that. Even though there are a ton of neurons giving me creative and analytical prowess at work, I’m trying to leave work to the physical space.

It can be really hard to leave work there. Work is a big part of my identity, but it’s not my whole self. Outside of work, I allow my brain to work on ideas, but I try to dissociate by physically removing myself from work once I’ve left for the weekend. I find this hard to do on weekdays. I get it: work is often 1/3 of the day. It’s easy for it to become one of the things you are. We can’t help but ask, “what do you do?” instead of, “what are you working on?”

So how do I work on other identities, such as “creative”, beyond the professional title?

I find other identifications and work hard to systemically and systematically add them to my life.

• I am a creative. If you’ve been following the blog, you’ll see that. But I want my home, both web homepage and physical home, to reflect that. So I’ll be making more physical projects in the months ahead. And this website will show my progress on projects, too. I’m considering a digital portfolio of all my projects, past, present, and future.

• I am a mover. I get things done in my professional work, service work, and workouts. I especially care about volunteering as an extension of who I am. I love “mover” as a play on words, getting people to move or change is exciting to me! So, another change you’ll see on this website is some writing on this identity, and perhaps a site reorganization, based on my core values of creating, exploring, learning, moving, and serving.

• I am a community builder and love helping others, in personal and social settings. I want to do that more this summer. It’s May, and I can almost smell the shifting seasons, with the sneezes to prove it. Don’t forget, I’m on a mission to help 19 fellow creatives with their projects this year. I want to help my local community where I can. What that looks like? Attending events with good company, exploring new places, and serving in other capacities, in addition to the food pantry. I’m finding ways to write about service.

I’m really looking forward to summer as I continue embracing my identities. Be on the lookout for website changes and more info on my additional creative projects. And I’d love to know, what are you working on? How do your identities help shape your life? Let me know in the comments!