Forge an identity beyond labels when thrown off course

When your environment shifts—maybe you move, lose a job, or, like Anne, are forced into hiding—you face an identity crisis. Labels you once wore comfortably—student, daughter—no longer fit neatly. Social psychologists call this role discontinuity, and it can trigger deep anxiety. Yet research in identity theory shows you can anchor yourself not to external roles but to core values and personal mission. Imagine Anne in 1942-style Amsterdam: she was a daughter, a student, an aspiring writer. Overnight she found herself confined in an attic with no official role but ‘hider.’ Instead of crumbling, she redefined herself as a lifelong learner and chronicler. She asked, “What kind of person stands firm when all roles fall away?” From this she built a new mission: to witness history through honest writing. The science is clear: identifying a higher-order purpose helps you withstand role disruptions and flourish anew.

Begin by listing the roles you currently occupy and the values you hold dear. Then close your eyes for a moment and picture your ideal self—calm, courageous, curious. Craft one simple mission sentence that bridges those values to your day-to-day actions: “I courageously learn from every challenge.” Commit to one small action each morning—like writing one line or speaking one honest truth—to live that mission, and revisit it on Sunday to see how far you’ve come. Give it a try at the start of your next week.