identity diffusion

Friend, are you living someone else's life?

Maybe you chose your field of study because your parents encouraged it. Or followed a career path because that’s what everyone else seemed to be doing. Or picked up hobbies because your friends are into them.

When you live this way for long enough, it’s easy to lose track of what you actually want. You stop choosing and just start following.

This is called Identity Diffusion. When you start living life on autopilot, without direction or purpose.

So Why Is It So Important to Have Direction?

Take the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who refused to live this way.

Ibrahim grew up in a society where idol worship was the norm. Everyone around him, including his own father, followed it without question.

But Ibrahim didn’t see sense in worshipping these idols. How could these sculptures create something out of nothing? They couldn’t create, provide, or even defend themselves.

Basically, he stopped and asked himself:

• Does this really make sense?

• Is this what I want to be?

Ibrahim spoke out against the practice.

Even when his people mocked him, threatened him, and tried to burn him alive, he didn’t back down. He knew why he was making those choices. He knew what his morals were — and that gave him the strength to hold firm.

That’s what living intentionally looks like.

Now ask yourself: Would you have been fine with worshipping idols like everyone around you?

Or would you have wanted to be like Ibrahim?

How to Break Out of Autopilot

• Always ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Why am I doing this? Why am I doing this?

• Do small things that match your values. If you value honesty, tell the truth even when it’s hard. If you care about discipline, commit to one small habit, like praying Fajr.

• Can't think of anything? Think of the people you respect most. What qualities do they have?

• Spend time with people who seem like they know what they're doing.

Remember that everything in life is temporary. Maybe you feel behind everyone else. Maybe your friends have it all figured out.

It doesn't matter. Life is a journey.

Someone starts fast and ends slow. Someone starts slow, ends fast. Someone doesn't get to the end at all.

PS. If this resonates with you, watch the movie Rango. Seriously.

It's about a chameleon who’s completely lost and living a lie.

Until life throws him out a window (literally!) and forces him to figure out his purpose.

It’s funny, weird, and super relatable for anyone feeling stuck in that “I have no idea what I’m doing” loop.