What defines you?

There are so many times that I see people defining their worth as a person based on the things that they own or the titles they hold.

Where you grew up, being a top player in your sport, wearing the latest fashion trend in a size 6, lifting the heaviest weights or having a stylish haircut… these things, and things like them, do not define you. What defines you is who you are and what you stand for.

I used to make a lot of money and have fancy titles such as “Senior Graphic Designer” at established design firms. I drove a brand new car and lived in a new townhouse on the outskirts of Denver. Presently, I do not make very much money and I live in an area which some consider to be the “armpit” of Oahu. But who I am and what I stand for today is far more substantial and meaningful than anything I ever have (or had) before. And even better, I feel far more fulfilled.

There’s nothing wrong with titles or material items as a part of your image, but if you don’t back those with a life of substance, you’re nothing more than a hollow shell. If you remove those things as a part of your self definition, what’s left? You have to be able to define yourself as a person whether you’re a high-level something at a top-place-of-business, a stay at home mom or someone who’s been laid off and has to change careers. Whether you’re a Porsche owner or drive a Geo. Whether you buy from designer labels or from outlets and garage sales. Who are you as a person? What do you believe in and what do you stand for?

For myself, if you remove the car I drive, the place I live or the titles I hold, I will still be a person driven by my passion to make a positive impact in this world. I am not defined by my skills, titles or intelligence, I am defined by what I do with those tools and how I serve the world.

What defines you?

Be the Best, Healthiest and Happiest You™