The digital age has significantly changed the processing of identity formation and transformation. The impact of our on-screen time, as well as the post-pandemic shift to virtual classrooms, virtual doctor visits, and social media now shape qualities, beliefs, personality traits, and expressions that characterize identity. The virtual self vs. true self line is blurred when interactions primarily occur on screens. The roles of the family, peer groups, and experimentation have all shifted over the past decade because of digital isolation. Understanding this impact on identity can help combat self-doubt, self-consciousness, and negative thoughts to enhance forming a healthier self-image and healthier decision-making processes.
Identity evolves over time and begins in childhood through parental and societal influences. It progresses with social interactions in adolescence via peer groups and role models and shifts in adulthood to professional roles and the growth of personal values. Recognizing the impact of virtual interactions and instant information available via phones and computers helps define a person’s identity. Identity distinguishes people from others and is generally comprised of multiple identities that characterize an individual, including cultural, professional, ethnic, religious, and gender identities. A person’s sense of self determines general health and wellness decision-making.
As parents, staying connected in adolescence helps the formation of identity. The first eighteen years determine the foundation of identity development related to positive processing skills. Mental health suffers when identity is based on pleasing others vs. authenticity to self. Understanding self-image or identity impacts decision-making processes and affects healthy choices by attaching meaning to why we do what we do. Aligning behaviors with identity allows us to make choices based on what we want to become. Spending time on self-care activities builds understanding and positive outcomes.
Identity shifts as we get older and allows room for transformation as we learn more about who we are and who we want to become. Identity is a combination of our personal values and the roles we hold at any given time. Linking our purpose with those who share our values and roles provides opportunities to build our growth potential toward our healthy goals. Connection with others in similar stages enhances our outcomes by providing a positive accountability network. Positive self-talk affects how we think of ourselves and leads to healthier choices. Eliminating terms like “I can’t” from our vocabulary impacts our healthy habits. To create behavior change, a clear picture of personal capabilities helps form the strength to move forward.
Personality traits, lifetime experiences, and social roles are all pieces of our identity. The process of self-discovery helps align the pieces of self that make us unique contributors to our communities. It aligns us with our beliefs, provides motivation, and improves our ability to cope with inevitable change. Life is full of change. We get to choose how to make changes that reshape our identity. There is power in personal choice, but also consequences. Choose to look both at yourself and those you choose to surround yourself with in your inner circle of influence. We don’t get to choose our circumstances, but we do get to choose our response. True freedom comes from recognizing how our choices affect both ourselves and others.
Life coaching helps sort out the positive and negative parts of personality and identity to begin the transformation toward positive change. Finding yourself in an identity crisis, or lacking fulfillment in life? Reach out for more information on how coaching can help you transform and find your path toward healthier habits through self-discovery!