If you define yourself by what you do then when you do less or do nothing, you are less or nothing. Strange that people want to know what you do so they can put you in a box. They also want to know if you are busy. This makes leaving the workforce, for any reason, a loss of identity.
Try defining yourself by who you are rather than what you do. Identify your important values. Figure out who is in there. Forget about what you do, how old you are, your body shape, your qualifications… for a trial period. Say…one week. Focus on who you are and what you can do for others. Assume your purpose is to assist and protect others. Let’s pretend we are all related.
I still remember hearing an orthodontist saying when asked what he did, ‘I create smiles’.
Careful how you define yourself. Where will you find yourself when you stop doing? Try being occasionally. Tell people you aren’t busy. Just do one thing at a time. Do nothing.
One day you will retire. Prepare now.
Paddy Spruce – Speaker, workshop facilitator, coach.
www.paddyspruce.com.au
