Think back to your childhood and write down some of the messages or comments you received regularly from people who were close to you. Include favourite family stories where you featured and what they implied about who you were. Review also how your peers and the wider community described or talked about you.
Now let’s see if we can uncover more, as the more unconscious messages can often be the juiciest.
In a new column, right down descriptive statements about yourself. Use ‘I am…’
For example: I am fussy, I am caring, I am forgetful.
When you have completed your list, look over it and consider where these messages about who you are came from? Make a note beside each one.