How to Build Identity Capital
What is identity capital? Identity capital is essentially investments that we make in ourselves. Things that play a role in defining who you are, such as, your job, degree, the extra-curricular activities you participate in, where you’re from, how you look, speak etc.
Your identity capital is your autobiography.
Identity capital helps you move up in life, and can play a role in getting you to your goals faster too. It’s sort of like you’re very own personal brand that you’re curating.
A very important thing to note- personal growth, including identity capital, does not happen overnight. It will take time and consistent efforts. There is no get rich quick scheme here apart from discipline.
On a personal level it includes:
1. How we speak
2. How we look
3. How we solve problems
4. Our relationships
5. Our hobbies
On a work level it includes:
1. Resumes
2. Degrees
3. Associations
4. Organisations
5. Accomplishments
So how does one do this?
Get a piece of paper and start answering the questions I’ve noted down. You’ll see a summary of the questions as points below.
Hard skill questions:
1. If I had $3 million in bank account and I had to spend 10% of it on charity, which is the first cause that immediately comes to my mind?
2. Do I need money to give back to that cause or can I also give my time?
3. When was the last time I updated my resume? Can I ask someone for a second opinion on how it looks?
4. What is a skill that is important for my job/ potential or future job for at least the next 3 months?
5. Are there any topics or subjects that I’m naturally attracted to that has no direct relevance to my work? (For instance: I’m very interested in women in history)
6. What is one workshop I would love to attend, if everything was at my disposal? (Example: I’d love to go to a chocolate making workshop)
7. What is a hobby that my ideal self would have?
Soft skill questions:
1. When was the last time I spent time quality time with people that mattered to me?
2. Am I interested in learning a new language?
3. When was the last time I took a social media break?
4. What would my bucket list look like right now?
5. What are some short term goals I know I can achieve with effort by the next month?
6. When was the last time I went over my finances? Can I reach out to someone who can guide me better?
7. Is there anything I enjoy collecting?
8. What is a subject I wish I had in school or college?
Notes of hard skill steps:
1. Giving back to a cause that matters to you
2. Keeping your resume updated
3. Learn a new skill and practicing it for a few months
4. Watching one educational video on YouTube/ one podcast such as TED talks a day to improve your knowledge
5. Attending workshops
6. Keeping a gratitude journal
7. Engage in some sort of a creative project or hobby
Soft skill steps:
1. Spending time with people who matter
2. Learning a new language
3. Social media breaks
4. Making a bucket list
5. Making a list of short term goals (Achievable in the next month)
6. Evaluate your finances and set financial goals
7. Start a collection of something you enjoy
8. Take a class in a subject that interests you, even if it doesnt relate to your job or degree
(Source: The Defining Decade by Meg Jay)
https://gentwenty.com/51-ways-to-build-identity-capital/
