Identity

I am currently reading a text entitled “Cognitive Coaching” by Arthur L. Costa and Robert J. Garmston.  This aims at creating self-directed leaders and learners in the field of education, however, I feel that the passages apply to us all and our life choices.

Quotes from Cognitive Coaching on Behavior, Values, and Identity:

• “under certain conditions, repeated behaviors may affect beliefs.”
• “values, beliefs, and behaviors are related to identities, which reinforce and sustain identity adjustments.”
• “identity is always a moving target”
• “as we transcend the self and become part of the whole, we do not lose our individuality but rather our egocentricity.”

I especially like thinking of identity as a moving target, for the position that offers in making desired improvements to ourselves and not being confined to a narrow existence.  We can always adopt a new way of thinking, choose to nurture positive internal lingo, and honor the best parts of ourselves.  In this, we can evolve to become more fully who we are at the core and integrate our unique individuality into the whole thoughtfully.