Find Out Who You Are and Do It On Purpose

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” — Dolly Parton

I’ve absolutely loved the Dolly Parton tributes and the outpouring of love for this miraculous woman. She is truly legendary for all the right reasons. And she didn’t just say this quote—she embodied it. The evidence is in everything she created and, most importantly, in the lives she touched.

As we move through life and all it brings us, we experience shifts in who we are. Sometimes we recognize these shifts consciously. Other times, we look back and realize we’ve changed without fully noticing it along the way.

An identity shift is different from simply changing a behavior. It happens at a deeper level. Our behaviors change because something has changed in our sense of who we are—or who we are becoming.

These shifts often happen during times of transition:

• Going away to college or starting a new chapter independently

• Starting your first significant job

• Getting married or becoming a parent

• Becoming a people leader or executive

• Losing a job or moving into an entirely new career

• Realizing an old definition of success no longer fits

• Becoming an empty nester

• Experiencing the death of a parent or loved one

• Navigating significant health challenges for yourself or someone you love

Some identity shifts are big and obvious. Others are subtle. And importantly, they aren't always intentional.

Sometimes circumstances force us to reconsider an identity that once served us well but no longer fits who we're becoming.

One of the traps we can fall into is simply being at the effect of these changes—letting circumstances define what comes next. That can lead to regret, missed opportunities, or simply waking up one day and realizing we’re living a life we didn’t consciously choose.

Dolly’s words remind me that we have an opportunity to participate in our own becoming. We can pause. Reflect. Get curious. And consciously decide who we want to be on the other side of the transition.

For me, this requires both reflection and action. I’ve always believed that becoming aware of our thoughts and feelings—and intentionally choosing the mindset we want to bring forward—creates the foundation for more purposeful action.

I often ask myself:

• Who do I want to be in this moment?

• How do I want to show up for others?

• Who do I need to become in this season of my life?

• When I look back on this time, what do I want to be proud of?

My answers are always grounded in my personal values and priorities. And those are different for everyone.

My Current Identity Shift

My husband and I will soon become empty nesters. I have a lot of emotions about this transition. There is excitement, sadness, anticipation, uncertainty—and a whole new sense of possibility.

So, over the next few months, I’m going to intentionally spend time reflecting on those questions and taking purposeful action toward the life I envision for this next chapter. I know I will become someone different than I am today. And I’m okay with that. I want to let my values guide me as I step into that next version of myself. Right now, two of the strongest are adventure and a fierce love for the people in my life.

Maybe you’re in an identity shift, too.

• What transition are you experiencing?

• Who are you becoming?

• What do you want to make of this precious life and the time you have?

• What impact do you want to have on the people around you?

And perhaps most importantly:

• Are you allowing your next chapter to happen to you—or are you creating it on purpose?

If you need support navigating an identity shift or life transition, a leadership coach can help you:

• Gain clarity around your values and what matters most now

• Explore who you are becoming and what you want next

• Ask purposeful questions that create clarity and forward movement

• Turn reflection into intentional action

Because ultimately, identity shifts aren’t just about leaving something behind. They’re about becoming.

And as Dolly reminds us:

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”— Dolly Parton

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Ann Ritterspach, The Growth Coach

Ann Ritterspach, The Growth Coach is a catalyst for YOUR growth. As an Executive Leadership Coach, Ann leverages her extensive business leadership experience to connect deeply with you, understand your unique challenges without judgment, and support you in taking control of your career and your life. Ann's mission is to ignite your energy, challenge your perspective, and provide unwavering support as you pursue your career goals and dreams.

Learn how to take control of your own life. Book a free strategy session with Ann today!