Personality Traits
Personality traits play a crucial role in developing one’s social change identity. As a domestic partner for the past 18 years, I have learned to become a trusting individual. Social identity change requires commitment (Burke & Stets, 2022). Incorporating trust in my partnership has enabled the relationship to thrive. In addition, I have managed to be part of several collaborative community projects. My trusting nature has influenced the development of my social change identity by helping me become an agreeable individual. As a result, I have developed a deep desire to uphold justice and fairness and gain a strong concern for upholding the well-being of others. Being agreeable has played an integral role in shaping my attitudes, values, and behaviors. Being agreeable and trusting has enabled me to gain a sense of responsibility and exhibit commitment to injecting positivity into society.
Lived Experiences
My lived experiences have played a significant role in the development of my social identity change. I have also worked in various workplaces and collaborated with several types of workforces. My various experiences in such workplaces have developed my social change identity by helping me become understanding and resilient. Being understanding means that I have been able to listen to everyone’s insights and ideas. Additionally, I have faced several adversities and challenges throughout my career.
Social Influences
Growing up, I encountered many people from different cultures who had different opinions and approaches to life. My family was the first social group that influenced the development of my social change identity. My family exposed me to a broader perspective of life by equipping me with different viewpoints about society. As I continued to progress in life, the abundance of role models played a crucial role in developing my social change identity. Mentors enable one to become a critical thinker (Harris & Lee, 2019). Critical thinking has allowed me to navigate difficult situations and make the necessary changes to succeed. Further, through self-education, I have become adaptable and flexible. Flexibility and adaptability have enabled me to adjust to setbacks and keep track of my short and long-term goals.
Willingness to be Psychologically Vulnerable
The willingness to be psychologically vulnerable has helped develop my social change identity by enabling me to gain self-awareness. Throughout my career, I have faced several challenges. One particular challenge was overcoming the stereotype that women cannot hold leadership positions. Such situations motivated me to advocate for equality in all aspects of life. Moreover, self-awareness has enabled me to help others overcome stumbling blocks in their lives. My willingness to be psychologically vulnerable has also developed my social change identity to become more authentic. By opening up about the challenges and obstacles that I have encountered, I have gained a sense of authenticity, which means that I can inspire others to work tirelessly toward their goals.
Personal Growth
Personal growth is the most crucial aspect of social change identity. Resilience, a growth mindset, and emotional intelligence have all contributed to my personal growth. Resilience is the ability to overcome a stressful period. Resilience has taught me that opportunities to grow emanate from one’s ability to overcome failure. Additionally, I have learned that resilience breeds persistence. A growth mindset has helped me navigate social changes through hard work and dedication. Constructive criticism, setbacks, and challenges are major contributors to developing a growth mindset (Yeager & Dweck, 2020). I have also developed a growth mindset from finding inspiration from the successes and failures of others. Emotional intelligence has helped me develop my social change identity by using my emotions positively. Emotional has helped motivate and inspire others by exhibiting viable attitudes and skills to ensure effective social change.
References
Burke, P. J., & Stets, J. E. (2022). Identity theory: Revised and expanded. Oxford University Press.
Harris, T. M., & Lee, C. N. (2019). Advocate-mentoring: A communicative response to diversity in higher education. Communication Education, 68(1), 103–113.
Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2020). What can be learned from growth mindset controversies? American psychologist, 75(9), 1269.
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