Pillar 4. Expanding Your Sense of Self. The Journey to Autonomy

The Fourth Pillar: The Strength of a Defined Self

The fourth and final pillar to building resilience is expanding our sense of self—a journey toward empowerment and strength.

People who have a strong sense of self are naturally much more resilient than those who don’t or haven’t developed one.

Having a strong sense of self means you have a clear identity and an inner core that is strong and stable.

This pillar allows us to face the world on our own terms, rather than being defined by the external circumstances presented to us.

Knowing that you are the source of your sense of self is more important than anything else because it puts you in a position of personal power.

What Does It Mean to Have a Strong Sense of Self?

Having a strong sense of self means that you know yourself, which you think, what you feel, what you believe, and what you stand for.

It involves having a clear sense of autonomy and a deep trust in your own authority to direct your life in a conscious and deliberate way.

It also includes believing in your own ability to succeed and feeling that you can positively influence your environment.

You are the one who decides what you think, what you feel, and what you value, without needing the approval or permission of others to be who you are.

The Contrast: The Weakness of an Undefined Self

On the contrary, people who lack a good sense of self tend to avoid challenging tasks for fear of not being able to overcome them.

These individuals lose confidence in themselves very quickly and tend to focus on their personal failures and the negative results they obtain.

They see challenges not as opportunities to grow and learn, but as insurmountable problems that It is best to avoid it so as not to have to face failure.

This lack of a strong inner core makes them much more vulnerable to stress and setbacks, as they do not trust their