We chose who we are and who we become
Character — A brief insight
Who are we?
Who we are is shaped by any action we take, by what we say, see and feel. Consciously or unconsciously. But what initiates us do a certain thing?
The action we take is guided by our character.
Character is something selectable something that forms from all to which one exposes oneself. Positive as well as negative perceptions. Experiences as well as their interpretation resulting in further conclusions. Memories from our past that we keep telling ourselves.
All of this forms the narrative that is repeatedly spoke out aloud in an inner monologue. It tells us who we are and justifies our behaviour.
Our character is the representation of ourselves, which we wear even after taking off all other social garments.
When we are naked.
Every represented layer is subject to a deeper-lying principle. Nothing is present if there is no basis to build on.
Those principles can be behavioural patterns that were once created from past events. This clothing is no longer necessary. It is even hindering you from enjoying life fully. Like winter coats in the sauna.
What lies underneath?
Learn to recognize the layers of clothes that you are wearing. Thus uncover the underlying principles. You probably don’t like some aspects of what you see. Don’t close your eyes from what you loath.
Embrace and change your perspective.
From now on you don’t have to carry it around anymore. Put it down, adapt it if necessary. To choose is the freedom we have.
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius
You are responsible for who you are. Rather than focusing on circumstances that moulded your character, concentrate on the substance of it.
Only who recognizes reflects and acts accordingly by adapting can change something.
Start to ask yourself who you are. Challenge the nature of your existence.
Notice why you act as you do and see through incertitude. By recognizing the material that constitutes your self can you form it.
This paper explains and debates how Aristotle described a possible character change.
Ascertaining what we are responsible for is key to a clearer self awareness. Changes of character are possible where we are aware of our responsibility.
What yesterday was useful can be a hindrance today. Cut off what distances you from your true self — it is no longer a part of you, but only a piece of clothing from old times. Are you still bothered by something that someone told you five years ago? By past mistakes?
Forbid it from holding you back.
Take off the old coat and reveal what lies underneath. Let it come to light and coat yourself in light.
Start to differ between what you do on your free will from what is only an adapted pattern that repeats itself automatically. Ask yourself what triggers you to do something.
Is it your own will or does something else influence your actions?
From now on decide each day that the choice lies within your hands. Focus on being whom you want to be instead of being shaped by past events.
“First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do.”
-Epictetus
Bare a clear image of your true self in mind, articulate who you want to become. Unleash your potential by striving towards it.
This is the second article of my series called “Brief insight”. Where I’ll share thoughts ideas and things I learned concisely. If you like the concept feel free to check out the other articles.
