Intimacy, Relationship, Focused Prpose: Bualancing passion, purpose and relationship for an abundant life!
-Anna, Breitenbush Hot Springs, OR
Who Are You And What Do You Do?
-By Angel True
It's the question of the times. Our society defines us by who we are and what we do for money. Invariably it's the first question of out people's mouths when they meet someone new. But it's not always such an easy question to answer, is it? In this time of economic transition it can be even harder to really understand what's important and relevant as well.
For some people the idea of defining themselves by how they make money can feel uncomfortable because it's only a small part of who they are. For others the simple answer of what they do is only a small part of the information necessary to answer the question. For yet others still…it's just not an easy answer!
What becomes important in answering this question is integrating the whole answer, or in other words, explaining the full synergy of the personal and professional integration of the answer. With that in mind there are really 4 questions that need to be asked and answered.
Who are you? What do you do? How do you do it? Why do you do it?
"Who are you" can be as simple as a name or as complex as your personal history, hobbies, areas of knowledge and past experience, relationship status, whether you're a parent or not and who your family is. The question isn't always as straightforward as we might think it could be though. You need to decide what's important to express yourself with this question and everyone decides a little differently.
"What do you do" isn't any easier a question either. Our job titles range from Cashier, to Technical Support Specialist, to Financial Analyst, to Life Synergy Coach and many more possibilities. Some of these might feel more or less clear depending on what you know about the subject. Most job descriptions are only a feeble attempt to summarize a full time job with 2-4 words.
"How do you do it" begins to get at the more salient details of this question. People distinguish themselves in different jobs by doing them slightly or completely different from someone else. When we talk about what distinguishes us in any particular job we begin to get some relevant and personal information that makes a difference in this answer.
"Why do you do it" becomes the most powerful and relevant answer in the modern definition of self. Some people might answer that they do something because it makes them money, others might say it's because it's easy or challenging, and yet others might say it's because they have a passion for the subject or issue. The answers are as varied as the people.
By asking all 4 questions rather than just one or two you begin to create
a texture and background that helps define the whole person and speaks
not just about actions, words or how the hours of their day are filled
but also about their motivation and passion.
As the world around us changes and many people struggle to define themselves
in jobs and lives that are both supportive as well as fulfilling it becomes
important to remember that we cannot always define ourselves or others
by just one piece of information. There are many reasons we do the jobs
we do, have the hobbies we enjoy and participate in the wide variety of
other personal and professional activities that fill our lives. In order
to fully understand who a person might be we have to get all the necessary
information.
So next time you meet someone new don't just ask them "So what do you do?" Ask all 4 questions and get the complete answer! Or maybe you're just ready to figure this out for yourself?