Public identity

Identity is the result of what we understand as the union between all the parts (deep self, social self, private self, public self). Knowing all these parts of ourselves and how they are related will allow us to know who we are.

Identity is the general image we have of ourselves that allows us to be aware of the place we occupy and the differences and similarities with others. And it is not a static process but changes over time. Identity, at each moment, gathers both the events of the past and the projections about the future in a thread that gives meaning to our existence.

There are many elements that influence the creation and development of our identity. Internal factors such as genetics, cognition, motivations, beliefs; and external factors such as experiences, events, opportunities, influence of family and society, place of birth, culture.

Identity in coaching

Self-inquiry, self-knowledge, is a fundamental aspect that is always addressed in any coaching process. Depending on the type of coaching and the objectives that are proposed, this inquiry will be more or less deep, but questions such as Who am I? What motivates me? What is my mission or purpose? What do I need? What is my ideal self? These are necessary constants to move forward and crystallize our goals.

Coaching is a practical process, so the research that is done on identity, whether private or public, is always aimed at achieving a concrete solution.

For coaching, when capabilities are aligned with values and are successfully put into action (behaviors) in the right place at the right time, the deep self is revealed.

Beliefs about identity

The beliefs associated with our identity are the ones that have the greatest impact on our lives. How we see ourselves is a determining factor in our self-esteem and in turn influences how we are viewed. Beliefs limit us or empower us. They give direction to our emotions and our prejudices.

The opinions they have about us are rarely unanimous. In some cases they will hit the mark but in many others they will not, because everyone makes judgments according to their own perception. From their experiences and from what they have seen and heard at a given moment, they can define a person by a behavior.

However, the beliefs with which we define ourselves are the ones that can do us the most good or harm, since we will act accordingly.

The importance of public identity in personal development

You are what you do, even if there are people who disagree or don't like it. Your behaviors (or inertia) are a reflection of how you think and what you value.

In many occasions we manage to hide or make up our shortcomings, not only in front of the world but also in front of ourselves. This only creates a conflict between what you think of yourself and your behavior.

Every time we fail in an internal purpose we promote doubts and insecurities. Which in turn is reflected in the public identity, even if we want to hide it, it is a vicious circle. This does not allow us to move forward or get what we need.

Public identity has to do with the image we project in the different contexts in which we operate. It is based on the perception of others about our behavior, their opinions/judgments about who we are and what we do. Sometimes they don't need much information to make a judgment. It is something that is dictated by their assessments and their prejudices.

If their opinions carry weight when it comes to achieving our goals, it is logical that we want to control the outcome of that judgment as much as possible in order to have a better chance. Public identity is built from the way we communicate and our actions.

It seems out of our control, but it is not entirely true. The fact of recognizing myself and being recognized as someone capable of doing a certain thing can open or close many doors. When we compromise our public identity we limit our opportunities.

We are generally more interested in the opinion of some people, not all. Those with whom we want to interact in the long term, build an emotional or professional bond. For better or worse, public identity is the basis for attracting or alienating people, at least initially. So when trying to create a valuable role for others it is important to stay focused and maintain balance.

Public identity exercise

According to the Oxford dictionary: To have an identity is the circumstance of being one person and not another, with a set of traits or characteristics that distinguish one person from others in a group.

It is something subjective that depends to a large extent on interaction with others. And for others a person is what he or she conveys. It is important to have an idea of how we are projecting ourselves because it can be a decisive factor to improve our interpersonal relationships, achieve what we propose, assume more responsibilities and gain the trust of those around us. Besides the fact that the image they make of us is one more piece on the road to self-knowledge.

A common problem is the inability to see beyond ourselves, or to put ourselves in the other person's place. Sometimes we do not even notice when we notice that they underestimate us or speak to us in a paternalistic tone, or fear us, or avoid us, or ignore us.

Or just the opposite, we can also have a positiv