[𝐓𝐄𝐃𝐱𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐔 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏: IDENTITY CRISIS - PART 3: EXITING THE DEEP WATER OF IDENTITY CRISIS]

Imagine yourself as a Fish, born and raised in a small lake. His main goal was to swim to the great sea and he spent a lot of time preparing for this journey. When he reached the ocean, he suddenly felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the sea and his small, small fins. Thoughts began to come rushing in:

- Who am I? Where am I in society and what are my values? - Am I facing important life changes that affect how I feel about myself? - What my beliefs are, what my spiritual life is like, my interests, hobbies, or concerns about my future career, these things really have a strong influence on how I see myself, so in the end, What should my life look like? - What is the reason for my passions? - Why do I feel lonely and lost in the midst of stability, among those who used to make me happy and comfortable?

Such contradictions and questions are a sign that the little fish has swum into a body of water called "Identity Crisis." This water can make him feel isolated, and it feels like only him who has to go through it, but this is everyone's important step to better self-development. Let 𝐓𝐄𝐃𝐱𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐔 show you 04 suggestions below to survive this phase of life.

1. Discover and Embracing your inner self

From birth to adulthood, we learn from external influences. The brain is constantly absorbing and processing information from the outside world, especially in the era of information technology. The wheel of life is constantly changing, and it's rare when you get advice like this: give yourself a break and take the time to study your mind. The following questions are really essential:

- What qualities and values ​​define you as a person? How has it changed over the years?

- What changes affect you? What did you do to face it?

- What qualities do you want yourself to develop and maintain?

- Are you happy and are you doing the things you love?

- What hurt you in the past and how did it affect you?

- With whom do you feel comfortable and be yourself?

These questions can confuse us at first, but they are the key to opening the door to self-understanding

2. Get those judgments off your shoulders

Comments from your surroundings, prejudices, social norms and stereotypes can affect you directly, they are like water and we are like sponges. Since letting go of judgment is not an easy process, start with the smallest habits. Every day, try to write down all of your thoughts and observe their patterns: you will be surprised to realize how much you are influenced by your surroundings.

3. Change your environment

Try to put yourself in different activities. Experience the variety of beneficial activities such as project participation or community contribution. There you can reflect on yourself and draw the line between what is "me" and what is "other".

Learning new things, keeping the brain "busy" from the state of crisis will help a lot in finding your own value system or redefining yourself.

4. Don't hesitate to seek external help

You may have heard this saying before: we are all human, we have our strengths and weaknesses. Humans are such lovely creatures, they've lived together since their cave days, caring for, protecting, and guarding each other to grow together as a community - and will not hesitate to support their fellow humans when needed. You are certainly not alone in the midst of an identity crisis, and when you speak your worries, your family, friends, teammates in groups, or clubs will reach out to help you.

Understanding your identity and life purpose is one of the most important steps in your personal development journey. So why is it necessary and is it really mandatory to look for it? What are the effects it brings about? This question will soon be answered in the final part of this "Identity Crisis" series.

TEDxHANU 2021 hopes that the little fish will soon be able to get out of the deep water and experience the immensity of the world out there with 100% enthusiasm for life.