How Can I Develop A Strong Identity?

An identity is an inner sense that tells you who you are and what you stand for. Armed with that knowledge, you’re empowered to say no to trouble​—to control your life instead of letting others control it for you. How can you develop such confidence?

Know your Strengths

Knowing your abilities and positive traits will boost your confidence. Everyone has various gifts. For example, some people are talented in art or music, while others are athletically inclined. If you have trouble identifying a character strength, think of one way that you have matured since childhood, try to work on it and improve it. You can develop an identity by doing what you like to do.

Know your Weaknesses

Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, your identity can quickly change for the worse if you let your shortcomings get the upper hand. Remember that no one is perfect. Do not allow your weaknesses to make you sink back into your shell.

Set Goals For Yourself

When you have goals, your life has direction and purpose. You’re also more likely to avoid people and situations that could hinder you from accomplishing what you’ve set out to do. If you don’t have goals, you won’t stand for anything. You won’t have a purpose. Goals keep you from travelling in circles with your life. You have somewhere to go and a plan of how to get there. Try to write down the goals you will like to achieve, then plan how you intend to achieve them. If you don’t stay busy, I catch myself just floating along. It’s better to have goals and progress toward achieving them.

What are your Convictions?

If you do not have convictions, your peers can easily push you around. For instance, if you tell yourself that you won’t smoke or drink and stand by it, that becomes what you’re known for. You won’t change colours to blend in with your peers​—a sure sign that you don’t have your own identity.

When you have a strong identity, you are like a firmly rooted tree that can withstand powerful storms. No one can push you around, no one will take you for granted because you have your principles and goals.