This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
Using the right identity building exercises will help you discover your most authentic self and ultimately develop a stronger sense of self.
You may need these identity building activities because you’re looking to reinvent yourself, going through a life crisis, or simply just being proactive in your personal development.
No matter the case, I can promise these self-awareness activities are going to make defining your identity less daunting.
This post is all about identity building exercises and identity building 101.
Identity Building Exercises
What are identity building activities?
Identity building activities are tools and practices that can be incorporated into your routines to foster personal development.
If you’re wondering how to find yourself or how to develop self identity, you’re likely in need of practical, empowering resources to get to the root of who you really are.
By using identity building exercises, such as journaling, meditating, and volunteering, you are ultimately expanding your interpretation of yourself.
With these mechanisms, you are allowing your true passions, interests, and opinions to rise to the surface.
For example, by volunteering, you are putting yourself in new circumstances with strangers and hence able to evaluate your reactions and feelings towards the unfamiliar situation.
At the end of the day, having a personal identity is more than just taking the labels society (and you) have ascribed to your name. It is about getting crystal clear on the more authentic, raw version of you.
When you know yourself inside and out, you are able to develop deeper connections with others and exude genuine self-confidence.
What are the best identity building exercises?
There are several self-awareness tools that promote identity building. Below are some strategies to consider merging into your own life:
1. Mindfulness meditation
One of my all time favorite identity building exercises for adults is meditating.
Using guided meditations to stop the narrative playing in my head and gain control of my mind really changed my life. It helped me overcome anxiety and I know it will help you, too.
To start, try this powerful spiritual wellness video about meditation:
2. Creating a Pinterest board
Pinterest inspiration boards are a great tactic to use if you’re finding yourself this year!
One strategy that’s worked really well for me, and will for you too, is creating a board for each year of your life (with a catchy name).
For example
- 23: the year of no fear
- 24: the world traveler
This board will help you visualize what your identity is shaping out to be. It’s an amalgamation of all things YOU.
3. Journaling
Another one of the top identity building activities is journaling! With a helpful set of self growth journal prompts, you can really dig deep into your conscience and better understand yourself.
With this information, you can heal and grow past any traumas you’ve faced in the past. Also, you’ll begin reorienting your life towards a healthier, happier identity that falls in line with your current values.
Lastly, you can download our FREE journal prompt template to use as inspiration for your journaling sessions!
4. Taking a solo trip
Sometimes, you really have to take a leap to really get to know yourself. And solo traveling is one of the best ways to quickly learn the strength of your own company!
You can start with a mini solo weekend, and then build out into larger, longer domestic (and international) solo trips!
Companies like EF Ultimate Break offer curated trips that are full of fellow solo travelers, so if you’re looking to meet new faces on your adventures, I highly recommend checking them out!
5. Labeling your emotions
Another way to better formulate your identity is to get in the practice of deciphering your emotions.
When you’re able to translate your feelings into words, into articulate, connected thoughts, you can get down to the core of why you feel the way you do.
With this, you can better describe your personality traits and ultimately what you stand for… which is why it’s one of the top self-awareness exercises for your toolkit!
Related Posts
19 Inspiring Vision Board Prompts: All the Top Vision Board Ideas For Women
29+ Life-Changing Wellness Goals to Start This Year
49 Uplifting Spiritual Wellness Activities: How to Improve Spiritual Wellness
6. Volunteering
You may not immediately think of volunteering as belonging on this list of personal identity building exercises because it has to do with others.
But since we are inherently social creatures, we can find out so much more about ourselves through interacting with others!
So, consider signing up for a local volunteer organization and seeing how you collaborate with your fellow volunteers, as well as those you’re serving.
I truly think you’ll come away from the experience with a newfound sense of gratitude for the person you’re becoming!
7. Listening to podcasts
Self growth podcasts are all the rage these days, and there’s a reason why!
Listening to top spiritual healing tips, mindset advice, and personal growth book recommendations from creators can spark ideas within your own mind.
When you hear these podcast episodes, do your best to link the topic of discussion to your own life: ask yourself how it factors into your own identity!
8. Grounding techniques
Similar to mindfulness meditations, grounding techniques are meant to recenter your thoughts and bring your awareness to the present moment.
When you feel you’re caught in a run on hamster wheel of thoughts, cut yourself off and observe the space around you.
- What is the temperature feeling like?
- Where is your body making contact with the space around you?
- What can you hear in the distance?
- Where are you sitting down? What does your environment look like?
This is one of those identity building exercises that takes consistent practice, but will help reorient your attention on what matters most: the here and now.
9. Leaving your comfort zone
When you really want to get to know yourself, you often have to say goodbye to whatever is keeping you stuck in an old version of yourself.
By signing up for new experiences and taking calculated risks, you’re giving yourself the chance to prove to yourself that you have what it takes to be different than you have been in the past.
Additionally, by leaving your comfort zone, you’re creating space for permanent change–a permanent identity shift!
10. Reading new self help books
Another exercise in developing your identity is cozying up with a personal development book!
Within the pages, you’ll gain new perspectives on life and begin to define who you are in a clearer way.
And feel free to check out some of my other favorite self help books for young women:
11. Observing others
In addition, you can practice observing others to accumulate better insight into the person you are.
As you look at others habits, mindsets, and lifestyles, follow your mind. See how you instinctively feel about what you’re observing: this is the nugget that teaches you about your own identity!
Again, this is one of those self identity building exercises that takes practice, but overtime it’ll feel natural to you.
12. Vision boarding
Using vision board prompts to construct a physical vision board for who you are and who you are becoming is a great way to build your self identity.
Be sure to hang this board in a spot you’ll frequent so that you are constantly reminded of your ambitions and dreams.
By reminding yourself of it every day, you’ll be even more motivated to take action on building your most authentic identity.
13. Defining your values
Also, another one of the most transformative identity activities for adults is taking half an hour out of your day to clearly define your values.
As you continuously invest in yourself, your priorities will evolve. You’ll know whether you want to focus on getting that job promotion, moving to a new city, or traveling around the world.
It is paramount that you document these values, so that all of your daily actions lead you in the same direction your identity expects of you.
14. Picking up a new hobby
This is one of those fairly straightforward exploring identity activities because it can be interpreted however you like–and cost as much (or little) as you want!
By testing a new hobby or passion project, no matter how big or small, you let your mind wander to corners it may have never considered before.
And depending on whether you actually like the activity you’re partaking in, you can better define your identity and where you want to focus your efforts in the future.
Some hobby ideas include:
- Sewing
- Recreational league sports team
- Photography
- Writing
- Exercising
15. Joining new organizations
Additionally, as you’re trying new hobbies, adventuring around the world, journaling your thoughts, and focusing on the present moment, you’re also opening avenues to join new social groups.
Think about it: for every interest you have, there is an entire subset of people who share that same interest!
When you’re building your identity, it’s important not to overlook the organizations and clubs that resonate with you.
By being brave and signing up for a social event, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to mingle and learn even more about your shared interest!
Related Posts
61 Powerful Affirmations for Loneliness For When You’re Feeling Lonely
Taking Ownership of Your Actions 101: The Power of Taking Responsibility
Miracle Monthly Reset: How to Uplevel Your Monthly Reset Routine This Year
16. Taking an online personality test
If you’re still trying to get a basic understanding of your likes and dislikes, consider taking a FREE online personality test!
The feedback you gain from these sites will better inform your career decisions and free time, so that you’re spending them on things that really jive with you!
Here are some sites to check out:
- 16Personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
- 123Test: https://www.123test.com/personality-test/
- Truity: https://www.truity.com/test/big-five-personality-test
17. Crafting a bucket list
Last but certainly not least of your identity exploration is to craft a bucket list!
Include a mix of realistic and stretch goals here:
- Taking a solo weekend trip
- Including one of the identity building exercises listed here to your weekly schedule
- Skydiving
- Running a 10k
- Volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about
The possibilities are endless here. Don’t limit your beliefs: shoot for the stars!
Identity Building Exercises: Wrapping it Up
Are you ready to use these self-awareness techniques to unearth your most authentic self? I can’t wait to hear about all the progress you’re making!
Leave a Reply