# data[].attributes.body
A lot of my inspiration recently has been drawn from popular culture throughout History. One of my classes this semester, American Studies, discusses the evolution of American culture from the 1800s to modern day, and I find myself really enjoying this class because its interested to see how media influences people, and how so much of that media remains the same today. I am fascinated by history and I really enjoy incorporating it into my creations and designs, so I find studying the media, fashion, music etc. from a certain time period can really bring a lot to my art.

# data[].attributes.body
This is one of my favorite songs right now. I really enjoy the suave and smooth tone, and it has influenced a lot of my more recent taste in music and fashion

# data[].attributes.body
I grew up in a religious family, and throughout the years have sort of fallen out with the practice and identity of Christianity. In some of my more recent designs I have really enjoyed drawing on that religious background to really explore religion in interesting ways. I think that the aesthetic of religion, I.E monasteries, churches, alters, outfits etc., resonates with a lot of people and can lead to a very impactful and interesting design. The last project I did this with was Frankenstein, and it was really interesting to sit down with the other designers, say what if instead of a scientist he was a religious zealot, and instead of a lab its a church etc. And from that stemmed a lot of fun and unique motifs that we were able to play with and really experiment with.

# data[].attributes.body
Drawing from the entry above this one, this is a painting from my favorite artist, Hieronymus Bosch, who for his time was very creative and experimented with the religious themes in his work. I also appreciate his ability to have fun and just get crazy with the art in a lot of unique ways.

# data[].attributes.body
Collaboration is at the center of every good theatrical performance, and I find it is often more important to maintain than anything else. I really like having discussions and hearing others point of view not just in a creative space but in general. I feel that so much of what I do and what I make is influenced by other people in some way, and I think that is really special. I think that a class like this one that is so discussion based is awesome for that reason. I feel like already I have been able to discern so much about my peers.

# data[].attributes.body
For me personally I used to really struggle with finding a personal identity as an artist because I did not consider my area of study, stage management, to be an artistic field, and I think most people would agree with that. I have come to the realization however, that the art of stage management is the art of managing art. it requires a whole host of different skills and tools that wouldn't be considered art by most, but require just as much skill and time as a typical artist.

# data[].attributes.body
A vast majority of my identity comes from outside of the artistic world. What my hobbies are, what music I listen to, what clothes I wear. Right now my biggest hobby is probably playing video games. My favorite genre of music is Jazz, and I am really into dressier clothing at the moment. These parts of my identity are just as important as my artistic side, and they often complement one another. I think that it is really easy to struggle with finding a sense of identity, but i think that a good place to start is searching in what you enjoy the most, because that is reflective of who YOU are.

# data[].attributes.body
I like this image because it shows all of what I find appealing in music. Its colorful, fun, alternative, and always changing. I try to incorporate these same descriptors into how I act and carry myself.

# data[].attributes.body
This article is a great tool for checking in with yourself, and I really like it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your sense of self refers to your perception of the collection of characteristics that define you.

Personality traits, abilities, likes and dislikes, your belief system or moral code, and the things that motivate you - these all contribute to self-image or your unique identity as a person.

People who can easily describe these aspects of their identity typically have a fairly strong sense of who they are. Struggling to name more than a few of these characteristics might point to a less defined sense of self.

You may not spend much time consciously thinking about your identity, but it still affects your life. Knowing who you are allows you to live with purpose and develop satisfying relationships, both of which can contribute to overall good emotional health.

Interested in exploring the benefits of a well-defined sense of self? Searching for tips on developing your identity? You've come to the right place.

Some people can make it pretty far in life without giving their identity too much though. So, you might wonder, does a strong sense of self really make a difference?

It absolutely does.

Erika Myers, a licensed professional counselor in Bend, Oregon, explains:

"Having a well-developed sense of self is hugely beneficial in helping us make choices in life. From something as small as favorite foods to larger concerns like personal values, knowing what comes from our own self versus what comes from others allows us to live authentically."

Your self-image can also fuel recognition of your own worth. You aren't perfect (who is?), but you still have great value.

Self-knowledge makes it easier to accept your entire self, both the traits you're proud of and those you'd like to improve. If you do feel dissatisfied with certain aspects of yourself, you'll have an easier time addressing those areas when you have a strong sense of your nature and abilities.

Lacking a clearly defined sense of self, on the other hand, often makes it tough to know exactly what you want. If you feel uncertain or indecisive when it comes time to make important choices, you may end up struggling to make any choice at all.

As a result, you might simply drift through life, carried by other people and circumstances rather than your own momentum. This often leads to discontent, even when nothing specific seems wrong and you can't identify the source of your unhappiness.

So, where does your sense of self fall on the spectrum?

Perhaps you've noticed a pattern of making choices based on what you think other people want from you. Or maybe you don't have many ambitions or deep-seated passions and simply feel content to go with the flow.

Asking yourself the questions below can offer some insight.

Do I say yes to make others happy?

It's totally fine to accommodate others sometimes, but if you always agree to what others want, you likely aren't living for yourself. Defining yourself mostly by relationships with others or your ability to please your loved ones can suggest a less-developed sense of self.

What are my strengths?

Sense of self depends on not only recognizing your strengths but also believing in your capabilities to use them to achieve your goals.

Having a good handle on your talents and maximizing them in your day-to-day life often means you have a healthy sense of self.

What brings me happiness?

What helps you relax and enjoy yourself? What hobbies or activities make life meaningful?

Everyone has a few things and people in life they don't want to change or lose, and identifying these important people and pursuits can tell you a lot about yourself.

What are my values? Do I live my life accordingly?

Awareness of personal values can go a long way toward outlining your sense of self. Values describe the traits you prioritize in yourself or others-empathy, honesty, trustworthiness, kindness, and so on.

Do my choices reflect my own interests or someone else's?

If you aren't sure how to answer this question, look at it from another angle: Would you make the same choices if you were alone? Decisions mostly grounded in your desires and goals for yourself typically reflect a strong sense of self.

Say you had some trouble answering the questions above.

"Who am I, really?" you might be wondering, perhaps with some distress.

It might reassure you to learn it's not terribly uncommon to have a somewhat blurred sense of self. This doesn't mean you've done anything wrong or that you're destined to live out your life without a clear identity.

A better understanding of the factors that play a part in the formation of self-image can help you begin sharpening it.

Individuation

Individuation, or the process through which you develop a unique self, begins in childhood. To individuate successfully, children need room to explore, learn, and express needs and desires.

"When we are encouraged to display our personalities without shame or guilt, we can develop a strong sense of ourselves," Myers explains.

If your attempts at self-expression earn only criticism or punishment from parents, friends, or anyone else, you might respond by ignoring your internal sense of self. It may seem safer and more beneficial to reshape yourself into someone more easily accepted.

Attachment

Your relationship with your parents or primary caregivers plays a significant role in your understanding of other relationships later in life. An insecure attachment can affect not only the development of your identity but your behavior in adult romantic relationships.

Attachment issues can be somewhat complex, but here's a quick rundown on how they relate to sense of self.

When you don't feel certain of your caregivers' unconditional love and acceptance, you might tailor your behavior to earn their approval. The resulting praise and affection reinforce the belief that modeling yourself to fit the expectations of others is the best (perhaps only) way to succeed in relationships.

This pattern usually continues to play out in your future relationships as you stifle your own needs in order to fulfill the needs of your partners, seeing this as the only way to hold on to their affection.

A desire to fit in

If you struggled to fit in with your peers in adolescence, you may have found it easier to take on the role of a social chameleon. Instead of holding on to your sense of self, you began shifting your identity to better fit in with multiple groups.

Acceptance can be a powerful motivator. If this changeable sense of self served you well during your teen years, this lesson can remain with you well into adulthood.

You might take on a certain persona at work, another when with your family, and still another when you spend time with friends. Switching between these different "selves" can make it even more difficult to unearth your true nature and create stress for yourself.

An unstable sense of self can make you feel flat and unfulfilled, but it's always possible to develop a clearer self-image.

Try these strategies to begin establishing a more concrete, independent identity.

Define your values

Values and personal beliefs are fundamental aspects of identity.

Your belief system can help you recognize what matters most to you and determine where you stand on important issues. For example, a desire to protect animal rights may lead you to choose cruelty-free products and make more informed choices about the foods you eat.

Values can help guide the boundaries you set with others in your life. If you value honesty, for example, you might make it clear you can't maintain a relationship with someone who lies to you.

You don't have to identify all your values at once, but try to think about some potential ones as you go about your day and interact with the world.

Make your own choices

Your decisions should, for the most part, primarily benefit your health and well-being. If you have a partner or children, you'll also want to take their needs into account, though that shouldn't involve neglecting yourself.

Remember: When your needs go unmet, you have less to offer others.

Maybe you've let others make important decisions for you in the past - your choice of college, career, or place of residence. If so, it might feel uncomfortable, even scary, to start making decisions for yourself.

It's OK to start small, though. Practice doing things because you want to do them, without asking for input from others.

Keep in mind that seeking guidance from others doesn't mean you lack a sense of self. It's entirely healthy - even wise - to talk over difficult decisions with trusted loved ones. At the end of the day, it's important to make the choice that's best for you, regardless of their opinions.

Spend time alone

When you want to get to know someone, you spend time with them, right? It follows, then, that getting to know yourself better will involve some quality time alone.

It might feel strange at first, but it's healthy to take some time apart from others, even your family or partner.

Use this time however you like. If you'd really like to maximize self-exploration, try:

Consider how to achieve your ideals

Older research suggests that differences between your ideal self (who you envision yourself as) and your actual self (who you really are) can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction, even depression.

In other words, knowing who you are may not be enough, though it's a very good start. Failing to honor this sense of self could have a negative impact on your emotional health.

Once you have a more firmly defined sense of self, consider what you can do to align your life with your identity. You might, for example, ask yourself what changes you can make in your professional life or interactions with others.

It might feel pretty overwhelming to begin defining your sense of self, especially if you've never given your identity much thought.

If you feel stuck, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance. A therapist can offer support with emotional distress that relates to your sense of self, such as:

low self-esteem

depression

anxiety

persistent unhappiness that stems from dissatisfaction with life

workplace or relationship concerns

Even if you don't have any mental health symptoms, therapy is still a great place to begin the self-exploration process.

In therapy, you can:

identify values

uncover attachment issues or problematic relationship patterns

learn and practice decision making skills

explore and address unmet needs

work through any relationship concerns related to self-image

The connection between mental health and an unstable sense of self goes both ways. Issues related to personal identity, such as an unclear, frequently changing, or distorted self-image, can sometimes happen as a symptom of:

These conditions can be serious, but they are treatable. A trained mental health professional can help you explore other symptoms and offer guidance on treatment options.

The concept of "self" isn't always easy to grasp, in part because your identity naturally shifts and develops over life as you learn and grow.

It's normal to have some moments of confusion or self-doubt. When you consistently feel unfulfilled or struggle to name your needs and desires, consider taking the time for a little self-discovery.
Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she's committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sense of Self: What It Is and How to Build It

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What does "sense of self" actually mean? And it is really that big of a deal?

# data[].attributes.body
There a billion different values, so I find it difficult to narrow them down. This is a great list and article to read about values and how to find out what yours are

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What job should I pursue?

Should I accept this promotion?

Should I start my own business?

Should I compromise, or be firm with my position?

Should I follow tradition, or travel down a new path?

So, take the time to understand the real priorities in your life, and you'll be able to determine the best direction for you and your life goals!

Defining Your Values

When you define your personal values, you discover what's truly important to you. A good way of starting to do this is to look back on your life - to identify when you felt really good, and really confident that you were making good choices.

Step 1: Identify the times when you were happiest

Find examples from both your career and personal life. This will ensure some balance in your answers.

What were you doing?

Were you with other people? Who?

What other factors contributed to your happiness?

Step 2: Identify the times when you were most proud

Use examples from your career and personal life.

Why were you proud?

Did other people share your pride? Who?

What other factors contributed to your feelings of pride?

Step 3: Identify the times when you were most fulfilled and satisfied

Again, use both work and personal examples.

What need or desire was fulfilled?

How and why did the experience give your life meaning?

What other factors contributed to your feelings of fulfillment?

Step 4: Determine your top values, based on your experiences of happiness, pride, and fulfillment

Why is each experience truly important and memorable? Use the following list of common personal values to help you get started - and aim for about 10 top values. (As you work through, you may find that some of these naturally combine. For instance, if you value philanthropy, community, and generosity, you might say that service to others is one of your top values.)

Step 5: Prioritize your top values

This step is probably the most difficult, because you'll have to look deep inside yourself. It's also the most important step, because, when making a decision, you'll have to choose between solutions that may satisfy different values. This is when you must know which value is more important to you.

Write down your top values, not in any particular order.

Look at the first two values and ask yourself, "If I could satisfy only one of these, which would I choose?" It might help to visualize a situation in which you would have to make that choice. For example, if you compare the values of service and stability, imagine that you must decide whether to sell your house and move to another country to do valuable foreign aid work, or keep your house and volunteer to do charity work closer to home.

Keep working through the list, by comparing each value with each other value, until your list is in the correct order.

Step 6: Reaffirm your values

Check your top-priority values, and make sure that they fit with your life and your vision for yourself.

Do these values make you feel good about yourself?

Are you proud of your top three values?

Would you be comfortable and proud to tell your values to people you respect and admire?

Do these values represent things you would support, even if your choice isn't popular, and it puts you in the minority?

When you consider your values in decision making, you can be sure to keep your sense of integrity and what you know is right, and approach decisions with confidence and clarity. You'll also know that what you're doing is best for your current and future happiness and satisfaction.

Making value-based choices may not always be easy. However, making a choice that you know is right is a lot less difficult in the long run.

Top Tip for Defining Your Own Core Values

You can breathe life into your values by defining briefly, in writing, what they represent to you. Crystalizing what they stand for and why they matter to you will help embed their importance.

Keep the definitions short and write them in your own words, so you are really connected to them. These definitions will be handy reminders of who you are and what matters most to you - when and if you need reminding when there are decisions to be made.

For example, if one of your core values is "creativity" you might say, "I value it because the ability to solve problems and to come up with fresh, new ideas brings me joy and a deep sense of fulfillment."

Frequently Asked Questions About Values

What Does It Mean to Have Values?

Your values are the beliefs and principles that you believe are important in the way that you live and work.

They (should) determine your priorities, and guide your decisions and the way you act towards others. When the things that you do, and the way that you behave, match your values, life is usually good.

Why Are Personal Values Important?

Understanding your values can really help make life easier and make you happier.

This happens because when you acknowledge your values - and make plans and decisions that honor them - you can use your values to make truly informed decisions about how to live your life.

By understanding the real priorities in your life, you'll be able to determine the best direction for you and meaningful life goals.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Are Your Values? - Deciding What's Important in Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Understanding your personal values helps you live an authentic, happy life. Learn how to identify them, and use them in decision-making.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the most important values I try to carry with me is confidence. it can mean a different things to a lot of different people, but everyone knows what it is when they see it. Even when I am not confident in my ability to do something, I try to carry the sense that I do. Keeping a certain level of confidence for yourself is so so so important, and it has really helped me grow as an artist and as a stage manager. A clear lack of confidence can hurt yourself, and it can harm how confident other people are in you, and your ability to do your job. This causes a breakdown in trust and then collaboration and its not good for anyone involved in the process of a show.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a really great list of "core values" which I think are applicable to just about everyone. Its a really great resource for identifying exactly what you and your art stand for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What's most important to you? Your core values determine how you answer this question. Our core values highlight what we stand for. Core values guide our behaviors, decisions, and action.

When you know what you value, you can live in accord with those values. This leads to greater fulfillment. When you don't know your values, you violate them every day. This creates internal tension. And this tension triggers destructive habits and regressive behavior.

How to Determine Your Personal Values

In the 7 Steps to Discovering Your Core Values, I offer a free step-by-step process to find your personal values.

When people hear about core values, they often want to select them from a list of personal values. It seems easier to pick them from a menu.

But as I wrote in this guide:

Values aren't selected; they're discovered. We don't choose our values. Our values reveal themselves to us.

If you start with a list of core values, your conscious mind will evaluate which values appear "better" than others. You will select personal values that "sound good" based on your desired self-image.

Instead of picking from a list, in Step 2 of the personal values process, I offer exercises to discover your personal values.

A List of Over 200 Personal Values

However, it is useful to scan a core values list to prime yourself before the exercises.

And it's beneficial to review a list of core values after you brainstorm your list to determine if you missed something important.

As a reference, here's a list of 230 personal values:

Personal Core Values List by Category

When you go through the core values process, it's helpful to ensure you didn't miss any key categories important to you.

I've curated the above core values list into categories for your review. But please take these categories loosely. They will change based on the perspective you hold.

The Ultimate Core Values Workshop

Since I published the original version of 7 Steps to Discovering Your Personal Values and this values list in 2017, over 2.5 million individuals have begun their journey to discover their values.

But after surveying thousands of subscribers, I learned that many individuals get stuck along this discovery process.

How do you know if you've selected the "right" values?

How do you prioritize and pick only a few values? (3 out of a 200+!?!)

And how the heck do I live these values each day?

And so, after months of development, I've refined the above process and crafted it into a step-by-step course.

If you're interested in finding your authentic values and you're committed to living your values each day ...
Check out the details for The Core Values Workshop here >> How to Use Spiral Dynamics for Psychological Development and Leadership Transform Your Sleep With These Powerful Sleep Hacks How Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs Explains Your Behavior

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Core Values List: Over 200 Personal Values to Live By Today

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This core values list contains over 200 personal values, arranged by categories, to use with 7 Steps to Discover Your Personal Core Values.

# data[].attributes.body
If I had to narrow down what I thought the most important value in art is (an essentially impossible task), I would say Exploration. I think that exploration in art is what makes art, art. So much of the personal value derived by artists comes from our ability to explore ourself, the world and society through what we create. That is a very special thing in my opinion. Art in itself is exploratory, always new techniques, new ideas. But it is the exploration of ourselves through art that it becomes something special.

# data[].attributes.body
One of my favorite aspects of management is the collaborative aspect. I really love working with everyone associate with the show, and its always nice to work so closely with the cast. Its always nice to have that connection with the cast and crew that a lot of other positions just don't get access too.

# data[].attributes.body
I like to use the analogy of collaboration as a puzzle. I know its pretty cliche but it is true. The bigger picture is only completed if you fit together.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is a really great video about the difference between cooperation and collaboration. It isn't nuance that I had thought about but it is an important distinction.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cooperation vs Collaboration: When To Use Each Approach

# data[].attributes.body
I think a good community is very much so fostered by a strong team of collaborators. A good relationship among team members can help to create a sense of community amongst cast, crew, design team, and production staff. I think that building a community around a show or production can overall elevate the final product. If team members feel welcomed and accepted as part of a community, then everyone will be happier. This is in my opinion, crucial to any creative process, but especially one that is so people centric.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is a talk about the idea of community, how it functions and how it shapes us. This is not directly related to the theatre but there are things we can learn from it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Finding Identity in Community: The power of healthy communities | Jay Grimes | TEDxWLUBrantford

# data[].attributes.body
An important question to ask yourself is, how, as a group of collaborators, foster a community around our work. This is a difficult question because there is no simple answer. In my opinion, creating a space where people can come and throw out ideas without being judged for them, is the best way to foster that sense of a healthy community.

# data[].attributes.body
The idea and function of a community is to serve as a home for people sharing common values and interests.