Sometimes it can feel as if everyone else has already figured out who they are. It feels like
they know what they want, what they like and are working towards their goals. The truth is most people are still figuring it all out as they go along. So, if you’re feeling unsure of yourself and your identity, you’re definitely not alone.
Trying to answer the question “Who am I?” is tough, but at the end of the day you’re the
only person who can answer it, because you’re the one who gets to decide.
When you’re searching for your identity, it can help to remember that everything you need to become who you want to be is already there. You just have to uncover it. Practice paying attention to yourself, and the parts that you’ve been ignoring, and see if your connection to your identity changes. Take time to notice when you are the happiest and most comfortable. This can be from your hobbies, the way you dress, socialising or school subjects you enjoy, work etc... Once you pinpoint this, it will make it easier in discovering who you are.
Understanding who you are is a journey and there is no need to rush. Everyone has a different path, so comparing yourself to others and what you perceive is their journey will get you nowhere
If exploring who you are makes you feel stressed or anxious, talking to friends or other people your age can open your eyes to the simple fact that no one really knows what’s
going on either. We’re all just assuming that everyone else has got it together.
We learn to compare ourselves with others, with their accomplishments, what they do and how they look – it’s normal to want to be like everyone else. People-pleasing is an extremely common way to try and fit in. Sadly, pleasing others can be the very thing that stops us from being true to who we are.
Being true to ourselves means being able to be honest about our opinions, feelings, and needs – we should never feel ashamed to voice our thoughts to those around us (as long as those opinions don’t unnecessarily hurt anyone else). Trust yourself and begin to embrace the things that make you an individual.
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
Here are some things that can help you with that.
YouTube
Great
reads
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
A novel about family, friendship and self discovery from critically acclaimed author Benjamin Alire Sáenz.
The Inner Self: the joy of discovering who we really are by Hugh Mackay
This book is about how we hide from the truth about ourselves and the freedom we enjoy when we finally confront the biggest question of all: 'Who am I, really?'
Picture of Me: Who I Am in 221 Questions by Kate and David Marshall
Finally a book, that helps you answer the massive question: “Who am I?” Fill in these entertaining, thought-provoking prompts to celebrate who you are, where you are in life, and all the things that make you unique.
Great
Films
Garden State
Andrew, a young troubled man, returns home after a decade to attend mother's funeral. Little does he know he about to have a journey of self-realisation.
Good Will Hunter
Will Hunting, a genius in mathematics, but he has no idea who he is. He seeks help from psychiatrist Dr Sean Maguireto, hoping to have some kind of self-realisation
Eigth Grade
Kayla Day, is in the eighth grade. She is introverted but also posts videos about self-confidence online. Soon, she realises she is not the person she is pretending to be and has to accept that.
Spotify
The first step to being true to yourself is accepting yourself
Podcasts
The Imperfects
We're all imperfect. On this podcast, Hugh van Cuylenburg, chats to a people who are willing to make themselves vulnerable, by sharing their own struggles and imperfections.
Thinking Allowed - Identity
This episode of Thinking Allowed dives into the big questions around what makes us, us. The conversation tackles task of unwrapping the subject of identity.
On Being
This award winning podcast takes a long, hard look at what it means to be human in the modern world. Each episode esteemed guests shed light on the matter.
Places to find more resources
Would you like to get inspired about your life?
Join a Highway session today.
If you would like to explore what’s going on for you today, then just jump on! You will be welcomed to a safe, warm, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and uncover what is important to you. You have all the answers. Let us help you find your way.
Donate and inspire young people to a positive pathway in life.
Giving all young people the gift of being heard, connected and feeling empowered to follow their path to becoming the best versions of themselves.
