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Benan Yuceer
Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? As you go through the years, there might be a time when you start wondering about some really deep questions about your identity.
In your 20s, transitioning from college to work marked the first significant shift in your identity. Now, in your 30s or 40s, a second wave of changes is rolling in, sparking questions about who you are and what you’re doing with your life.
Maybe you’re not entirely sure what’s happening, but you sense things are changing, and those deep thoughts might leave you feeling a bit puzzled. If that sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone.
My intention in writing this article is to guide you through the phenomenon often referred to as midlife crisis and identity shifting. It’s a journey many of us navigate without a roadmap, and my aspiration is that you feel the support and comfort that self-awareness can bring. Within this article, I’ll share the 3-step framework that has personally helped me gain clarity, find purpose, and infuse meaning into every action I take.
Growing up in Germany and Turkey was a blessing and also a curse for me. Experiencing two different cultures gave me the critical eye to see things from different perspectives but also made me struggle to find and define my identity at early stages.
In my mid 30’s, I experienced an emptiness in my life which made me start exploring about who I am and where my life is headed. I realized that I was lacking a sense of purpose and no matter what I did to bring joy to my life, it didn’t stick on the wall. Life was passing by like the leaves swept by the wind.
I explored extreme sports, dating, changing jobs, traveling to exotic destinations as a way to find meaning in life. Nothing seemed to make me feel fulfilled till the day that I decided to work on my identity.
Without throwing around labels, let’s explore the feelings and thoughts you might be experiencing. It’s like standing at a crossroads, questioning your past choices, feeling an unfulfilled yearning, or sensing that the life you’re living doesn’t quite align with your true self. You’re not alone in this; it’s a journey many embark on, and understanding it is the first step.
Now that we’ve acknowledged the terrain, let’s talk about how to navigate this journey with authenticity. The essence lies in aligning who you are with who you want to be, embracing your true self, and steering away from societal expectations. Simply, BE YOU.
The foundation of authenticity is self-awareness. Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and aspirations. What truly matters to you? Dive into the intricacies of your emotions and thoughts. To assist you on this journey, explore my Self-Discovery Tools Library for resources that can illuminate your path to self-awareness.
You’ll get access to the most effective self-discovery resource library available online consisting of personality, career, psychology tests, and more.
Change is inevitable, and it’s okay to evolve. Embrace the shifts in your life with an open heart. This doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities but rather adjusting your sails to navigate towards a more authentic version of yourself.
Reignite the flames of your passions and interests. Sometimes, the key to authenticity lies in revisiting the activities that once brought you joy. Find time for hobbies or pursuits that make your heart sing. It’s never too late to rediscover the things that truly make you happy.
Although I’m not a fan of Billy Phillips, I agree with his quote in which he states: “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”
Actions speak louder than words, and every small step toward authenticity is a stride toward a more fulfilling life.
Embarking on this journey alone can be daunting, and you don’t have to. To take the first step toward living authentically, joyfully, and with confidence, I invite you to schedule a free coaching session. Together, we can navigate the path of authenticity and rediscover the richness life has to offer.
Click the button below to book your session today!
“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do."