"خود چیزی آماده نیست بلکه چیزی است که از طریق انتخاب عمل پیوسته در حال شکل‌گیری است"

The essence of this idea is pretty straightforward but deep. It means that who you are isn't something fixed or pre-packaged from the get-go. Instead, you shape and build your identity through the decisions you make and the things you do every day. It's like you're constantly writing your own story, one choice at a time.

This concept comes from John Dewey, a philosopher and educational reformer. Dewey believed that personal growth and learning are ongoing processes. He emphasized that education and experience are crucial in shaping who we become. As opposed to seeing the self as something static and unchangeable, Dewey saw it as dynamic and evolving.

Let's make this real with an example. Picture a young woman named Sarah who always wanted to be a doctor. She starts her journey with that goal in mind. But during her first year in college, she volunteers at a local community center and discovers a passion for teaching. She faces a tough choice—continue on the medical path she’s always planned or switch to education, something she just discovered. Sarah decides to follow her new passion, and as she makes more choices aligned with this path—like taking education courses, joining teacher’s clubs, and eventually working in schools—she shapes her identity as an educator. Her self-identity wasn't ready-made; it evolved through her actions and decisions.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by recognizing that every choice you make is a brick in the foundation of your identity. Don't stress too much about having everything figured out. Instead, focus on making decisions that feel right for you in the moment. Reflect on your experiences and be open to changing course if that's where your heart leads you.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend. Your friend, let’s call him Alex, is torn between sticking with a secure job in accounting or diving into his passion for graphic design. He’s worried about making the wrong choice and “wasting time.” Here’s what you could tell him: “Alex, think about your life as a canvas. Every decision you make is like a brushstroke. You’re not locked into one picture from the start. If accounting feels like painting by numbers but graphic design feels like creating a masterpiece, maybe it’s worth the risk. Your choices will shape who you are, and there’s no ‘wrong’ art—just different expressions of you.”

In essence, remember that you’re always evolving. Embrace the journey and understand that your self is something you build over time. Your actions and choices are the tools you use to mold yourself. Don’t be afraid to pivot or take risks; it's all part of the continuous formation of you.