A Journey to Rediscovering My Self-Concept
If you strip away the titles, the roles, and the expectations others have placed on me, who am I really? This is a question I’ve been reflecting on deeply, and today I want to share my journey of self-discovery—raw, personal, and honest.
Where It All Begins
Growing up, I remember being a curious child—asking questions, always wanting to understand why things were the way they were. I didn’t know it then, but curiosity became a foundational part of who I am. It’s what makes me ask deeper questions about life, about people, and about myself.
As I grew older, life started layering me with responsibilities, expectations, and labels:
- Student when I was young.
- Leader when I took on projects.
- Entrepreneur when I started my ventures.
But the more labels I carried, the more I started to lose sight of me. I became “what I do” rather than “who I am.”
The Moment I Asked, “Who Am I?”
This year, I hit a moment when things felt out of control—plans were failing, people were leaving, and the path I had envisioned for myself wasn’t as clear anymore. When the noise of work, pressure, and doubt became too loud, I had no choice but to pause and ask myself:
“Who am I without all of this? Without the achievements or failures?”
The answer didn’t come immediately. Instead, it came through moments of silence, prayer, and reflection.
Rediscovering Myself
- I Am Resilient
Life has tested me time and time again. I’ve felt the sting of failure and the weight of doubt. But no matter how hard I fell, something inside me refused to stay down. That resilience, that fire, is part of who I am. I’ve learned to see challenges not as endings but as opportunities to pivot, grow, and get stronger. - I Am a Visionary
I see possibilities where others see walls. Even in the most uncertain moments, I hold on to the vision. I’ve realized that this ability to dream big, to see what can be, is what drives me forward and inspires those around me. - I Am a Learner
I don’t have all the answers—and that’s okay. What makes me me is my hunger to learn. Whether it’s through books, experiences, or people, I’m always growing. I’ve learned to embrace the questions and to find beauty in not knowing everything just yet. - I Am Rooted in Faith
At my core, my faith defines me. It gives me strength when I have none. It gives me clarity when I’m lost. My faith reminds me that I’m here for a purpose—that my story, no matter how messy, is being written by the greatest Author of all. - I Am a Builder
I’ve always been someone who creates—whether it’s building businesses, writing content, or creating connections with people. I take pride in starting things, in building things from the ground up. That creative spirit is deeply personal to me.
What Makes Me, Me?
What makes me me isn’t the world’s definition of success or failure. It’s the small, sometimes quiet parts of myself:
- My ability to stay hopeful when all seems lost.
- My love for deep conversations and meaningful connections.
- My belief that everyone has something valuable to offer.
- My curiosity, my drive, and my faith.
I am not perfect, and I don’t want to be. My flaws, my struggles, and my scars are part of the story that makes me unique.
The Exercise: Rediscovering Yourself
If you’re reading this and wondering, “Who am I, really?”—take a moment to pause. Grab a pen and paper, and ask yourself these questions:
- What qualities have helped me overcome challenges in life?
- What values drive me at my core?
- What moments or experiences have shaped who I am today?
- What makes me feel alive, fulfilled, and connected to myself?
Write it all down. You’ll be surprised at what comes to the surface when you give yourself space to reflect.
The Beauty of Self-Concept
I’ve learned that who I am is not a final destination—it’s a journey. Every day, I’m discovering new layers of myself. And with every challenge, I’m growing into a better, stronger version of who God created me to be.
If you’re feeling lost, remember this: Your identity is not tied to what you do, what you have, or what others say about you. Your identity is rooted in the truth of who you are and who you are becoming.
So, who are you? And what makes you, you?
Take the time to rediscover yourself—you’re worth it.
– MJ Nyota
