Personality, Habit, and Identity

PERSONALITY: the qualities that shape a person’s character.

HABIT: a regular practice, especially one hard to break.

IDENTITY: who or what a person is.

Here are statements I’ve heard in 22 years of coaching:

·         I’m too shy to speak to a group.

·         I’m outgoing and talk too much

·         I avoid conflict and hard conversations.

·         I’m detail-oriented and stressed by disorder

·         I’m not a people person and prefer working alone

·         I lack confidence and need validation

·         I need people and don’t work well alone

·         I’m sensitive and struggle with criticism

·         I’m driven and expect others to keep up

·         I’m pessimistic and expect things to go wrong

·         I’m old, set in my ways, and can’t change

·         I’m disorganized and will never be orderly

·         I procrastinate and miss deadlines.

Can people change their personality, habits, and identity? Yes.

The question is, “Do you want to change?”

If yes, begin by owning your personality, habits, and identity. Choose to respond to your circumstances instead of complaining, blaming, or making excuses. Honestly assess where you are, then chart where you want to go.

People can do more than they believe. Set a challenging goal and take small, consistent steps. To me, ownership is stewardship: my Creator gave me what I have, and I must use it for His glory. On that path, God helps and empowers me to change.