Don't cling to an identity

"Caring deeply about the people, activities, and projects you love is key to a rich and meaningful existence. The problem is not caring deeply; it is when your identity becomes too rigidly attached to any single object or endeavor."

-Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything is Changing by Brad Stulberg

There were times when I was deeply attached to my identity.

When I quit Navy SEAL training and got out of the Navy, I felt like a failure because I had been working towards that goal since high school and didn't have any alternate hobbies.

When I was in my W2 job, I felt bummed out because I was just a "normal" guy in a job. I wasn't succeeding at my side projects/businesses. I was too attached to a vague notion of my contrarian identity.

Now I feel attached to my identity as a business owner. It's fun, but there will likely be a time when that changes and I will need to adapt. But I'll admit, I'm a little nervous about it.

Learning to avoid excessive attachment to any single pursuit in your life will allow you to adapt gracefully.

What identities do you cling to? Can you loosen your grip? What possibilities would that open?

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