(Even When Life Dropkicks You in the Face)
You know that hollow feeling when something falls apart and you suddenly have no idea who you are anymore?
Yeah—been there.
For years, my identity was my business.
It was my purpose, my personality, my status, my therapy, my everything.
Until it wasn’t.
When I stepped away, I didn’t just lose a job—I lost myself.
No title. No daily structure. No adrenaline from closing deals.
Just silence, and a growing voice in my head asking:
"So… what now?"
That’s when I discovered something that changed how I see identity forever:
Identity diversification. (Yes, it sounds like something from your financial advisor. But hear me out.)
What the Hell Is Identity Diversification?
It’s exactly what it sounds like:
Don’t bet your entire sense of self on one thing.
When all your identity eggs are in one basket—your job, your relationship, your role as a parent, or your six-pack—it only takes one hit to send you spiraling.
It’s fragile. And fragility breaks.
Resilient people?
They build multiple identity pillars—so when one crumbles, the whole thing doesn’t collapse.
Think of It Like This:
Your life is a table.
Every identity—friend, writer, builder, traveler, son, surfer, whatever—is a leg.
A table with one leg? Wobbly as hell. A table with five? You could throw a bowling ball at it and it’ll still stand.
That’s the point.
How to Build More Legs (Without Losing Your Mind)
Step 1: Audit Your Identity
Ask yourself:
“If I stopped doing what I do today, who would I be tomorrow?
”If the answer is “I have no f***ing clue,” welcome. You’re not alone. And it’s time to expand.
Step 2: Follow the Curiosity
Try this exercise:
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What excites me outside of work?
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Who energizes me? Who drains me?
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What have I always wanted to try but talked myself out of?
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What values do I want to live by (not just post on LinkedIn)?
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What environments make me feel alive?
Then act on one thing.
Take a class. Start writing. Volunteer. Build something.
Go somewhere. Not for the money. Not for the followers. Just because it makes you you.
Step 3: Protect Your Identity from Burnout
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what fills your cup instead of draining it dry.
You don’t need 15 new hobbies. You need meaningful ones.
You don’t need more social events. You need authentic relationships.
Stay light. Stay curious. Stay aware.
A Quick Reality Check
There will be resistance.
You’ll feel guilty for “wasting time.
”You’ll question whether it’s worth it.
You’ll think, “What’s the point if I’m not making money from it?”
Here’s the point:
You’re building a version of yourself that doesn’t collapse when one part of your life gets nuked.
That’s not luxury. That’s insurance.
Final Thought
Your identity should be like a well-balanced portfolio.
Diversified. Durable.
Resilient in the face of volatility.
Because your job isn’t promised.
Your six-pack won’t last.
And sometimes the things you love will fall apart.
But who you are?
That can’t be tied to one thing.
It has to be bigger.
Until next time,
Benoit
