Activity Influences Identity

How we act precedes how we are identified. If we gossip we will be called gossipers and if we preach we will be called preachers.

There are exceptions to this concept but hear me out.. All of us have created an identity for ourselves through our thoughts and actions. Winners are called winners because of how they performed in a certain competitive area.

The good news is that if action does infact influence how we are identified, we can begin to act differently to be identified differently. We can all claim to be anything we want but in the end actions will always speak louder. Infact most of the times we do not even have to tell people who we are, we just have to show them through our actions which are some what a reflection of our internal thought process.

When you lie you adopt the identity of a liar. Identity in this writing is connected to what you do, not what you believe or where you come from. This is a practical concept.. So if you run I identify you as a runner & if you write I identify you as a writer, simple as that. 

It is definitely challenging to then change behaviors we are familiar with.In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear wrote "Behind every system of action are a system of beliefs". When you wake up and go to school, it is because a certain belief has "driven" you to that action. I point this out to shine light on the idea that actions are preceded by beliefs and identity foreshadows actions. It is clear then that if we want to be identified differently we must first believe different things so we can act differently.

We all want more money but since we do not act like the wealthy we remain bound in poverty. Do you realize then that to become wealthy we need to become or act like the wealthy?To be spiritual we must act like the spiritual. If I want to be identified like James Clear, I have to write books like he does. If I want to be identified like Bishop T. D Jakes, I have to adopt the activity of the Bishop as mine.

Change happens over time not over night and we should all strive to change our identity for the better. If you want to be an entrepreneur, start selling something today, even if it is just sweets.. Get into the space of trade, for activity influences our identity.

In essence we just need to find out how we really want to be identified and begin acting that way.

(Let us pretend objects are people) 

1.A can opener is what it is (identity) because of the function it performs (Activity). 

It opens cans so it is a "can opener" 

2.A light bulb is what it is because of the function it performs. 

It lights up spaces, so it is identified as a "light bulb" 

Your activities pave the way for your Identity. 


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