A sustainable identity

Diversification and framing.

Make use of diversification and framing to build a sustainable identity.

Diversify your identity (Mark Manson). Have many things that make up who you are. Don’t just be an academic, be an academic who is engaged in the arts.

If one identity is questioned, you will have other ones holding you up mentally.

Furthermore, frame your given identity in a way that enables you to detach from it. Don’t say I am an academic, say I am someone who is engaged in academic work.

Your work is something you do, not who you innately are (Austin Kleon). Phrasing it this way (i.e., detaching yourself from it) can make it easier to dismantle a bad habit or better yourself within any field.

Diversify, detach and observe rationally, then act accordingly.