Be dependable at a funeral.

Discovering Your True Identity: Lessons from Dr. Jordan Peterson

Podcast time: 03:39

Have you ever been asked the question, “Who are you?” It’s a simple question, but it can be difficult to answer. According to Dr. Jordan Peterson, people usually identify themselves with a plan. But what happens when you have no plan at all? You’re in chaos, and that’s a dreadful situation to be in. On the other hand, if you cling too hard to your plan, you become a totalitarian and won’t learn anything. So, what’s the solution?

Dr. Peterson suggests that you are not the chaos or the plan. Instead, you are the thing that confronts the obstacle. This is the categorical lesson of psychology when it comes to personal transformation. You are not the plan; you are the thing that can confront the obstacle to the plan. And sometimes, the obstacle is not only an obstacle but an opportunity itself.

For example, the death of a family member can be an opportunity for maturation. It’s a chance to be the reliable person at the funeral and sustain a major loss without collapsing. It’s not easy, but it’s a good goal to aim for.

Lessons to Learn

Here are some lessons to learn from Dr. Peterson:

• You are not the chaos or the plan; you are the thing that confronts the obstacle.
• Obstacles can be opportunities for growth and maturation.
• Being the reliable person at a funeral is a good goal to aim for.

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is a clinical psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. From 1993 to 1998 he served as assistant and then associate professor of psychology at Harvard. He is the international bestselling author of Maps of Meaning, 12 Rules For Life, and Beyond Order. You can now listen to or watch his popular lectures on DailyWire+.

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