"Chaque jour, nous choisissons qui nous sommes par la façon dont nous nous définissons."

Our choices shape who we become, and this happens daily through the ways we define ourselves. This idea boils down to the notion that identity isn’t fixed; it’s malleable and influenced by our actions and decisions. Think of it like this: every morning, when you wake up and decide what to do and how to approach your tasks, you're essentially writing another line in the story of your life.

The concept has been around for ages. Philosophers and psychologists alike have pondered the relationship between our actions and our sense of self. You might have heard of existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre who believed that existence precedes essence – meaning you are defined by what you do, not by some pre-existing template of what you’re supposed to be. This idea gained traction in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, when people were desperately seeking to rebuild their identities and lives.

Take, for example, the story of Malala Yousafzai. She defined herself as an advocate for girls' education in Pakistan, despite the severe dangers she faced. Each day, her choices – to attend school, to speak out, to continue advocating even after being attacked – reinforced and strengthened this identity. Malala’s story shows how our daily choices are powerful. They can define not only who we are but also how the world sees us.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by being deliberate with your choices. If you want to be seen as reliable, consistently follow through on your commitments. If kindness is part of your desired identity, make sure your actions reflect that. It’s about aligning your daily decisions with the person you want to become.

Imagine this: you're in a dead-end job that you hate. Every day, you have a choice. You can define yourself as someone who is stuck and helpless, or you can start taking small steps toward change. Maybe you sign up for an evening class, maybe you start networking or updating your resume. Each of these actions, no matter how small, starts to build a new definition of who you are. You’re no longer just someone in a dead-end job; you’re someone working towards something better.

Here's a relatable scenario: think about your friend who always seems happy and outgoing. They weren't born that way. They make choices – big and small – that shape this part of their identity. Maybe they push themselves to strike up conversations, even when they don’t feel like it. Or they practice gratitude regularly, changing their outlook bit by bit. Over time, these small choices carve out their identity as a cheerful, outgoing person.

Remember, it’s not about making perfect choices every day. We all mess up. But it’s about the overall pattern, the consistent efforts to define yourself in a way that aligns with who you want to be. Your identity is a living, breathing thing – it evolves with every decision. So, what will you choose today?