Rebuilding identity from a conscious perspective

One of the deepest pillars in any process of emotional change is questioning the way a person perceives themselves.

Often, difficult experiences and prolonged emotional states—such as exhaustion, sadness, or distress—end up distorting one's self-image.

That is when we run the risk of confusing how we feel with who we really are.

However, identity is not a fixed label, but a malleable construct that can be rethought from a place of awareness.

Imagine an inner version to follow

A good starting point for redefining identity is to think about the qualities you would like to integrate into your life.

This can be done by visualizing a symbolic figure—not necessarily real—who embodies those attributes that you value deeply.

This could be a person who is temperate in difficult times, a good listener, persevering, or enthusiastic about life.

The important thing is not to admire what they do, but how they are in their way of being in the world.

By identifying these desired qualities, a kind of inner compass becomes visible: a guide that allows decisions and behaviors to be oriented toward a direction more consistent with one's values.

Often, this simple exercise reveals that many of these virtues are already present, even if they have not been fully recognized.

Exploring the core of who you are

Another revealing practice is to pause and reflect on your true personal essence, beyond fleeting emotions or social roles.

The question “Who am I at my core?” can open up a space for self-discovery.

To facilitate reflection, you can use a structure such as “I am a person who...” and fill in characteristics that reflect convictions, attitudes, or valuable human qualities.

This exercise helps to distinguish between learned behaviors and essential traits.

Feeling down or unmotivated may describe a state, but it does not define character or potential.

Emotions change; what remains is the ability to choose what kind of person to become.

Separating roles from the true self

In many cultural contexts, identity is often linked to what one does: a profession, a family role, a daily activity.

However, being a “student,” “parent,” or “worker” are aspects of life, not the whole of being. Therefore, it is useful to distinguish between what one does and what one is.

A useful practice is to write two lists in parallel: one with current tasks or roles (“I work as...,” “I take care of...”) and another with personal statements such as “I am someone who...”. This separation helps to remember that personal value does not depend solely on performance or context, but on an identity that can be built and enriched day by day.