I have a killer hack for you, and I mean killer.

Quick, don’t edit yourself. Fill in the blank: I am a __________ .

What’d you say??

Banker? Mother? Runner? New Yorker? Activist?

Your answer – any answer – is what social scientists call an “identity marker.” That’s just a fancy way of saying, “The way we most want to be seen by the world.” An identity marker might refer to our occupation, religion, nationality, or political persuasion. It can refer to a family role or a hobby. It can even refer to a life stage or state of mind, like “Retiree” or “Peace-seeker.”

Regardless, your identity marker is awesome data…about your values.

You were wondering where I was going with this, weren’t you?

I am a values zealot, as you probably know if you’re reading this. Because I think knowing our values is essential to living a life of intentionality, and in the best case, a life of our own design.?

The Becoming You methodology is replete with exercises to help you excavate your values, with the key word being “excavate.” Unearthing what we truly believe and who we want to be is – generally – hard work.

?That’s why I love this tiny hack! It’s great data in a jiffy.

And I’m not talking about the “what” of your answer. The “why” is the values hint.

Banker? I’m going to venture that you place a high value on achievement.

Mother? Family.

Runner? Wellbeing.

New Yorker? Excitement.

Activist? Impact.

Hello! I am not saying that your identity marker sums up all your values. Of course not. But it says a lot more than most one-word answers – if you’re listening.?

Give it a try, and see what you hear.

I just did that myself, and out came “Teacher.”

Exactly!

How about you??

Drop your answers in the comments, and I’ll reply with the value(s) that jump to mind for me. Go!

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