What makes me who I am?

That is a complicated question, to be sure. What makes a person? Is it intelligence, self-awareness, or consciousness? I suppose that would be enough to differentiate me from any AI algorithm. I do in fact exist, and I am indeed a person.

I am in fact highly conscious. I keep my things in order. I keep detailed notes, and I come prepared. I have a well defined set of goals that I work hard to achieve and I’m very persistent. I am somewhat risk averse, although I have been known to take well calculated risks if it helps to achieve my goals.

Generally, I am very agreeable. I love jumping in and helping out. I care about all people, and I rarely tell a lie. I believe in the best about people, until they prove me wrong. I am genuinely interested in people, and I’m seen by others as trustworthy. I listen more than I talk, I’m a good arbiter, and aside from this web page, I generally do not easily self-advocate.

I have experienced many difficult situations in life and in work, and so I have become thick-skinned. I do not get easily stressed. I have an even keel, and I am comfortable in my skin, thick as it is. I am also very introspective, which helps me to examine and understand what I feel.

I love to try new things. I am very open to new ideas. I enjoy solving problems, and I love using my creativity and imagination to come up with novel solutions. I love being able to pivot and take on any role.

I tend to be cautious when making new friends, however the friends I make I keep. I am not an adventure seeker, bungie jumper, or sky diver. I do not peel out or pop wheelies. I am not a party animal, or a social butterfly. I am a very private person, and I see no need to tweet about my day-to-day activities, or personal proclivities.

What motivates me?

I get great satisfaction out of achievement. When I pass an exam, earn a certification, close a deal, or solve a problem. I am a technician that loves to make sales. I am definitely coin-operated. I am not a cheat. I am very ethical, and I believe in being fair and square. But if I can score a big win while being honest, I get an immense sense of satisfaction. This makes me very motivated to try and do it again.

What gives me a sense of purpose?

Making measurable progress toward achieving life goals is what gives me purpose. A good analogy might be boating in a shallow bay. You might clearly see where you want to go, but you need to take action to avoid dangers that might be lurking just below the water’s surface. You adjust for wind and current, make constant small corrections, and eventually you will reach your destination. Sometimes along the way, the destination changes. That is ok. At the end of the day, it is not the destination that provides the motivation. It’s getting to drive the boat!