If you’re like me, you remember the days in business were tattoos were taboo.
It was judged to be unprofessional to have tattoos visible to others. If you wanted to get a tattoo, that was okay, but it better not be seen or you might not be able to get or keep a “professional” job.
Where there was a time that tattoos were only for bikers and hippies (I exaggerate but you get my point), today they are almost ubiquitous. If you would have told me even 10 years ago that I’d have four of my own, and that they aren’t exactly hidden, I’d have said you were nuts!
Tattoos are a discernible expression of identity.
You don’t normally go through the physical investment without choosing something meaningful that reflects who you are. My tattoos are dedicated to my grandchildren and my daughters. I’m proud of them. I’ve actually got ideas for future ones!
While tattoos are a pretty permanent expression of identity, what we think of ourselves in our minds can be more fluid.
Too often, we can get caught creating an identity around what we do rather than who we are.
I’ve been trapped in that thinking myself. My “identity” has been defined by my business success, the accolades I might get, the number of games I won as a coach, and even my golf score.
In the end, my identity and how I define it must be focused on who I am, what I stand for, and how how I manage my most important relationships.
What about you?
Have you ever been caught creating an identity that is too harsh, too unfair, or simply not true?
My new book Back Nine Walking: A Guide to Living Life Unleashed is set to be available on December 15th.
The first chapter is focused on Identity. If you’d like to read more stories and about my thoughts on understanding your identity, it will be there! Join the official WAIT LIST to get first chance to buy, plus get other cool offers and opportunities!
You can also join by texting UNLEASHED1 to 22828. Thanks for your support!
Quote of the Week:
“Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock..”
~ Sigmund Freud
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