Identity

The evolving story of who we are and how it shapes us

At its simplest, identity is the mix of roles, relationships, values, traits, and affiliations that make up who you are — how you'd describe yourself, and how others would recognize you. It's also something more: the story you carry about who you are and how you relate to the people and world around you, woven from your past, your present, and where you're headed. That story isn't fixed — it's revised as you grow, which is why identity rewards examining deliberately rather than simply assuming.

Some of what makes up your identity is Core — steady values, traits, and commitments that hold regardless of context or chapter of life. Some is Lived — the roles, relationships, and responsibilities you're actively carrying in this season, which may shift as your circumstances do. And some is Emerging — a version of yourself you're hoping for, testing out, or growing into, not yet fully claimed. Most people are a mix of all three at once, which is what the exercise below is designed to help you see.

This kind of exploration is more than reflection for its own sake — it's how growth happens. People who can picture the self they're working toward tend to set clearer goals and follow through on them more consistently, because that hoped-for self acts as both a target and a source of motivation. And leaders who deliberately try out new ways of leading, rather than waiting until they feel fully ready, tend to grow into stronger versions of themselves faster than those who hold back. The clearer your picture of who you are now and who you're becoming, the more deliberately you can close that gap — and the more likely you are to become the version of yourself you most want to be.

Your Identity Map

Mapping the elements of who you are — and how each relates to your sense of self

Name the elements that make up your sense of self — roles, relationships, values, traits, or affiliations. Start with six, or add more below if you need the room (up to twelve). For each one, tap the ring on the wheel (or use the buttons under each element) that best reflects how central it feels right now: Core (steady, true regardless of context), Lived (an active role or responsibility you're carrying today), or Emerging (a possible self you're testing or growing into). Then capture each one's story — where it shows up, and how it relates to who you are.

Your answers are saved automatically in this browser as you go, so you can leave and come back to this page. When you're ready to keep a copy or share it with your coach, use Download as PDF for the full designed version, or Copy My Answers for quick plain text.

Reflection Questions