Who Am I? Exploring the Depths of Personal Identity

If you look in the mirror and you don't understand who is that person looking back at you?

When we compare ourselves with other animals we tend to account for our unique ability to recognize the existence of ourselves and others as beings with different and changing motivations, goals and points of view. We are, in a sense, conscious beings. This may be a source of somewhat unjustifiable pride, of course, but it is also only one side of the coin.

And while being endowed with consciousness may be advantageous in that it goes hand in hand with our ability to think abstract thoughts, it is also a source of potential problems that other species do not have to face. And one of those potential problems can arise when, inevitably, a classic question appears in our train of thought: Who am I?

Pandora's box: Who am I?

"Who am I?" is one of those existential questions that, if we do not know how to answer, can become an obstacle to happiness. Knowing who we are and where we want to go is one of the bases to find well-being not only in big projects, but in all the details of everyday life.

But not being able to answer this question in a moment does not mean that all is lost. There is currently nothing to make us assume that the ability to adequately ask and successfully answer the question. "who am I?" is in itself an innate capacity, something immovable and independent of our choices and the environment in which we choose to live. At times, it is necessary to ask ourselves this question in order to continue to grow.It is an indicator of whether we are on the right path.

In addition, we must keep in mind that, from the very first minute, our knowledge about ourselves is limited. Although it may seem deceptive, many aspects of our own personality are better known by those around us than by us. Why? Because our view of much of what we do is biased..

Because our life is more important to us than to most, we have an interest in distorting the reality, the interpretation of what happens to us, to fit that narrative we have created to give an answer to the question of "who I am"; the story that supposedly explains what our existence is. as individuals. Thus, we must be humble in drawing conclusions about who we are, and admit that there is always room for rectification.

Beyond words

When we say that not knowing how to find answers to identity questions can become a problem, we are not saying that the key is to know how to answer or not to answer this type of questions with a specific, concrete phrase, as if it were a vital slogan. The important thing is to verify, from our own subjectivity, to what extent we can recognize a series of ideas and images that we identify with ourselves. The answer to the question. "who am I?" is always beyond words.

That is why it is It is therefore worthwhile to detect to what extent certain feelings of discomfort may have their focus in these doubts about the meaning of one's own existence and the about the meaning of one's own existence and identity.

If we cannot answer this question, it may mean that we are going through an identity crisis, a period of our life in which we may experience deep doubts about ourselves, doubts about the meaning of existence accompanied by feelings of emptiness, loneliness.

Now, when we manage to answer this question again, we get back into the rhythm of the events that happen in our life, managing to be, this time, much more aware of what surrounds us, much more aware of what surrounds us and more realistic in our thoughts.. We are once again empowered in the face of life.

It is necessary to continue to stand by oneself in spite of difficulties.

Identity is forged throughout life, but there is a critical stage or period in which it is especially relevant: adolescence. Psychologist Erik Erikson pointed this out in his Theory of Psychosocial Development. Erikson stated that the greatest obstacle facing adolescent development is the establishment of an identity. For the author, the construction of identity cannot be understood without interaction with others.

Adolescents often go in search of that "who am I?, because adolescence is a stage of discovery. Adolescents go through a period of self-knowledgeThey begin to make groups of friends, to relate to the opposite sex or to think about their options for the future. But in addition to this self-knowledge, i.e., "What am I, where do I come from, what do I want to be?", "Who am I?" also affects and is affected by self-esteem: Do I love myself a lot or a little or not at all? Am I what I want to be? and self-efficacy: Am I capable of going where I want to go? Am I capable of being what I want to be?

Therefore, knowing who you are makes you stronger and, despite the adversities that may arise in your life, it helps you to overcome difficulties.

Characteristics of identity construction

Identity has a large emotional componentand so does knowing "who I am". In summary, some of the characteristics that you should consider regarding the construction of identity are the following:

• Identity is developed in interaction with others.

• Identity is a socially constructed definition of self.

• Identity is a subjective phenomenon, with a strong emotional component.

• The formation of identity implies a process of recognition and valorization of oneself and of the possibilities to face challenges.

The existential crisis: an identity crisis

Knowing "who I am" may not always be easy. And for some individuals it becomes a complicated question, as they are afraid to face reality. When you don't know who you are, where you are, or what path you want to follow in life, anxiety, discomfort and fear can take control over you. This is what is known as an existential crisis, and it can be mentally very exhausting, as well as cause psychological disorders if not resolved.It can also cause psychological disorders if the situation is not resolved in the right way.

The existential crisis is an identity crisis, and the solution lies in reconnecting with yourself. Do you want to know how? In this article we explain it to you: "Existential crisis: when we do not find meaning in our life".

Self-reflection to reconnect with oneself

Unfortunately, this fear of facing reality can complicate the situation. And this fear of seeing things as they are can keep you away from yourself. The path to resolving identity issues is often solved with realistic self-reflection. Practicing self-reflection is a very important aspect of a person's development, and although it is simple, it is not easy.Although it is simple, it is not easy.

As already mentioned, asking oneself "Who am I?" is an existential question. And as such, requires an active coping with problems.. The solutions hardly come by themselves, but we must look for those situations that help us to improve every day. Only through a correct self-reflection, that is, through a realistic knowledge of oneself and the interaction with what surrounds us, as well as habits that allow us to continue growing, this will be possible.

If you want to know how to carry out a realistic self-reflection, in this post we explain it to you "Personal Development: 5 reasons for self-reflection".

A final reflection

Answering the question "Who am I?" implies, among other things, facing the tension between what we think we are and what we want to be..

It is virtually impossible to value oneself without comparing oneself to a version of one's self ideal self, with all that we would like to be. Working on self-esteem as well as on our potential and capabilities will allow us to face this question without fear.