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Tuesday, November 4, 2025

The free newsletter making HR less lonely

The best HR advice comes from people who’ve been in the trenches.

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Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology, was deeply interested in the journey of self-awareness and individuation — the process of becoming one’s true, whole self. This quote captures the essence of that philosophy. It’s a reminder that if you don’t define your identity from within, the outside world will happily assign one to you — based on trends, expectations, and cultural norms that may have nothing to do with who you truly are.

When Jung says “the world will ask you who you are,” he’s not referring to a literal question, but rather to the constant pressures and influences that surround us — from social media, career choices, relationships, and societal definitions of success. Every day, the world subtly asks: Who are you? What do you stand for? What’s your worth? And if your sense of self isn’t grounded in self-awareness and inner truth, you risk becoming a reflection of external opinions instead of your own authentic values.

Deeper Insight

This quote challenges us to do the work of self-discovery — to pause, reflect, and understand our values, passions, strengths, and purpose. Without that inner compass, we drift through life reacting to external forces rather than directing our own path.

Many people unknowingly live under labels they didn’t choose: “successful,” “average,” “failure,” “people-pleaser,” “workaholic.” These identities are often projections from others — parents, peers, society — and not the result of conscious self-definition. Jung’s message is a call to reclaim authorship over your life’s story before others start writing it for you.

Practical Application

1. Spend time in reflection. Ask yourself who you are beyond your roles — not “what you do,” but why you do it.

2. Define your own success. If you don’t, you’ll end up chasing someone else’s version of it.

3. Set boundaries with outside noise. The more you tune in to yourself, the less power the world has to tell you who to be.

4. Embrace authenticity. Living in alignment with your true self is not just freeing — it’s the foundation of lasting fulfillment.

Context of Origin

Carl Jung (1875–1961) developed theories that explored the unconscious mind, archetypes, and personal growth through individuation — the lifelong process of becoming who we are meant to be. While this specific quote is often paraphrased from his broader writings and lectures on self-identity and the collective unconscious, it embodies a recurring theme in his work: that true freedom and psychological health come from self-awareness and authenticity, not conformity.

Jung believed that society, if left unchecked, can absorb individuals into collective roles, stripping away individuality. His warning still resonates in today’s hyperconnected world — where social validation often substitutes for self-understanding. His message is timeless: Know yourself, or you’ll live by someone else’s definition of you.

Resource List: Tools for Self-Discovery and Authentic Living

1. Books on Identity and Self-Awareness

• “Man and His Symbols” by Carl G. Jung — A foundational exploration of Jung’s ideas about the unconscious mind and how symbols reveal our true selves.

• “The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck — A classic on self-discipline, personal growth, and spiritual development.

• “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown — Encourages readers to let go of societal expectations and embrace authenticity.

• “Awakening the Heroes Within” by Carol S. Pearson — Explores Jungian archetypes to help readers identify their inner patterns and purpose.

• “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius — Ancient wisdom on self-control, inner truth, and staying centered in a chaotic world.

2. Journaling and Reflection Practices

• Daily Self-Check Prompts:

  • What energizes me? What drains me?

  • Am I living in alignment with my values today?

  • If I stripped away all titles and possessions, who would I still be?

• Tools:

  • Day One Journal or Notion for digital reflections.

  • The Five-Minute Journal for a structured daily practice of gratitude and intention.

3. Personality and Self-Discovery Tools

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Based on Jung’s psychological types — useful for understanding personality preferences.

• Enneagram Test: Helps identify emotional patterns and core motivations.

• Values Assessment by VIA Institute on Character: Reveals your top character strengths and values.

• 16Personalities.com: A free, modern adaptation of Jung’s typology that provides insight into communication and decision-making styles.

4. Mindfulness and Inner Clarity Practices

• Meditation Apps:

  • Insight Timer — Thousands of free guided meditations for clarity and grounding.

  • Headspace — Focused on mindfulness, stress reduction, and self-awareness.

• Breathwork Techniques:

  • Box breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec, exhale 4 sec, hold 4 sec) to stay present.

  • Journaling immediately after meditation to capture intuitive insights.

5. Video and Podcast Recommendations

• “The Power of Knowing Yourself” – Carl Jung Documentary (BBC Archives)

• Lewis Howes’ The School of Greatness — Episodes on authenticity and personal growth.

• Jay Shetty Podcast – On Purpose — Practical discussions about aligning actions with values.

• TED Talk: “The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown — A must-watch for understanding authenticity and connection.

6. Reflective Exercises for Personal Growth

• Create a Personal Manifesto: Write 5–10 statements about who you are, what you stand for, and what you refuse to compromise.

• Define Your Core Values: Identify your top five guiding principles (e.g., honesty, growth, compassion, creativity, freedom).

• Set “Authenticity Alarms”: When you feel discomfort or resistance, ask: Am I acting from my truth or from others’ expectations?

Closing Reflection

Carl Jung’s quote is more than a philosophical idea — it’s a daily practice. Knowing yourself isn’t a one-time revelation; it’s an ongoing relationship with your evolving truth. The more time you spend in self-awareness, the less the world can define you — because you’ll already be living from a place of clarity, confidence, and authenticity.

The free newsletter making HR less lonely

The best HR advice comes from those in the trenches. That’s what this is: real-world HR insights delivered in a newsletter from Hebba Youssef, a Chief People Officer who’s been there. Practical, real strategies with a dash of humor. Because HR shouldn’t be thankless—and you shouldn’t be alone in it.

Sign Up Free