Embracing Change and the Journey of Diversifying My Identity

While reading before bed last night, I was struck by a concept from my most recent book, Recovering from Depression: A Guide to Overcoming Your Self-Sabotaging Behaviors and Learning Healthy Coping Mechanisms, by Maggie Kelly. It suggests that to be happy and build more resilience in life, you need to diversify your identity. It was a straightforward idea, yet it felt complex at the same time. It resonated strongly enough that I rolled over and wrote it down in my phone: "Diversity Your Identity."

The truth is that, although I'm a mother, wife, sister, friend, and much more, I only have one identity against which I measure myself: my career. Before it was my career, it was school. Why is this? And what impact has it had on my mental health?

This singular view of my identity has meant that when my career becomes challenging or when I am not meeting others' expectations at work, my entire sense of self shatters and falls apart. I am left piecing together what remains, while the other pillars in my life stand firm and support me; however, I am not giving them the credit they deserve. Logically, I know I am more than my career. Let me say that again: I am more than my career, but for some reason, in the depths of my soul, that has not been enough.

A florist holds a large bouquet of deep burgundy hydrangeas, exuding a sense of elegance and autumn warmth against a minimalist background.

Identity diversification is about developing multiple aspects of yourself, so that your sense of self isn't tied to just one role, passion, or achievement. This creates resilience and helps you adapt to life's changes without feeling lost and broken.

So, I asked myself, how can we cultivate a well-rounded and more flexible sense of self?

• Take inventory - Is your sense of self as unbalanced as mine? Is there one aspect of your identity that dominates?

  
  

• Explore new interests and passions - Diversifying your identity involves venturing beyond your comfort zone. Try new hobbies and learn skills that challenge and excite you.

  
  

• Cultivate relationships beyond the workplace and your daily routine - Connect with individuals who inspire various aspects of your identity. Participate in groups or communities that reflect your new self.

  
  

• Shift your mindset from fixed to fluid - your identity isn't static; it will evolve. Allow yourself to change and grow with it.

  
  

• Periodically reassess and adjust - Check in with yourself, are you feeling balanced or stuck?

Bottom line, a multifaceted Identity will mean more resilience in the long run, and this is something I'm actively cultivating.

Do you have a diversified identity, or do you have work to do? Let's continue the conversation in the comments below. Read more about my journey on the blog.

The content on Drifting Towards Simplicity is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment—please seek support from a licensed professional if needed.