Shape your identity
When making plans for the future, it helps to know the kind of person you are—your strengths, skills, and values, and how these can help guide your career path.
Developing a sense of who you are, along with your core beliefs and values, can help when considering your future goals, plans, and life decisions.
Your sense of self changes over time and is influenced by a variety of factors, including whānau, peers, friends, education, and the media.
Understanding who you are
Thinking of yourself without any labels can help you better understand who you are. These labels include things like ‘uni student’, ‘brother’, ‘sister’, or ‘partner’. Reflecting on questions below can help deepen your understanding of who you are:
- Who am I when I take away these labels?
- How does where I come from influence who I am today?
- Who and what do I relate to?
- What are my strengths and skills?
- What do I believe in?
- What are my values?
Values and beliefs are important because they shape the actions we take. Developing and understanding your core beliefs and values can help you make life decisions and ensure the actions you choose align with who you are.
Explore your values and beliefs using the 'What has shaped who you are?' guide.