17. Defining myself in 3 words

Who are we really?

I was having dinner with a friend when we talked about the 3 traits that best describe us. To my surprise, I took a while to come up with the list.

It’s easy to create an identity around what a person does. We create a preconceived notion based their work field, the company they work for, the school they went to. But we are a lot more than that. And when we strip those externalities down, what really defines who we are?

I thought I knew myself enough, but I had a hard time pin-pointing my own qualities. That’s why I’m doing this exercise to understand myself better. Here’s what I came up with:

1. Fluid. At a different time and environment, I am never the same person. And I don’t want to be. I am obsessed with my self-development. I look for ways to improve myself. I expose myself to different experiences. So it’s only normal if my character changes as I grow.
Pros: Always growing.
Cons: Unsatisfied with what I have.

2. Independent. I am completely okay with doing things by myself. I read self-help books. I travel solo. I go to classes alone. I tend to put myself first and turn to myself to solve problems. I know it might not always be the most effective thing to do, but it’s efficient.
Pros: Self-sufficient.
Cons: Lack of empathy for others.

3. Adventurous. New experiences invigorate me. I taste new food. I meet new people. I try new things. I might fear doing something but I will do it for the sake of not wanting to regret not trying it.
Pros: Courage to take risks.
Cons: Difficulty to commit.

Articulating my qualities help me understand my strengths. But most importantly my weaknesses. There’s always a flip-side to everything, including our best qualities.

My flaws could be something that I want to accept or improve on. But at the very least, I’m aware of them. And safe, from identity crisis.