Chapter 1: The Perils of Identity Tied to Work

In our professional lives, whether we are employees, entrepreneurs, or leaders, it's all too common to lose sight of our true identities. When someone asks, "Who are you?" many of us instinctively respond with our job titles.

This is often reflected in our replies, such as "I am a ____," where we unconsciously link our identity to our professional roles. Most of us fall into this pattern; we have been conditioned to tie our self-worth to our day-to-day work.

Consider the last time you were at a networking event. Did you notice how often our personal identities hinge on our professions? In a society that celebrates high achievers and relentless hustlers, it's natural to slip into this mindset. We seek validation from our accomplishments and the impact we make, which can lead us to focus solely on our productivity.

The troubling question is, when we pass away, how would we like to be remembered? Would you want an epitaph that reads, "Here lies John Gamades. Founder, designer, author, and podcaster"? Likely not. In the end, such labels are inconsequential.

We often fall victim to the misconception that our work defines us, losing sight of our intrinsic value. If our career paths shift, we may find ourselves clinging to outdated identities, which can lead to anxiety and discontent.

Take a Moment to Reflect

Today, I challenge you to contemplate the question, "Who are you?" without referencing your job. I'll share my answer first: I am a devoted husband and father who cherishes family time, strives to embody my faith, enjoys nature, and is passionate about empowering others to reach their potential.

Now, it's your turn.

Call-to-Action

Take a moment to answer for yourself: "I am a ____." Don't limit yourself to your title or what your company profile states. You are more than that. Reclaim your identity and uncover what it truly means to you.

Discover how to reclaim your identity in Christ through this enlightening podcast on online discipleship training.