Wow, your framework has depth. I'm pretty sure you put a lot of thought into it. You don't come up with something like this on a weekend. Really impressive work.
How would you differentiate between the Externally Driven Why and the Core WHY?
My feedback: While this is a powerful framework, I think for some readers this could a bit overwhelming.
Thank you so much, Philipp, for such a thoughtful and encouraging comment! I truly appreciate you recognizing the depth and effort that's gone into developing the Intentional Identity Design Framework. It really means a lot.
And an excellent question about differentiating the 'Externally Driven Why' (from Pillar 1, Defining Elements of Identity) and the 'Core Why' (from Pillar 2, the Inner Foundation).
Here's how I see them:
Externally Driven Why (Pillar 1): This is often tied to the tangible outcomes, achievements, or impacts we want to create in the world. It's the 'why' behind specific goals, like wanting a promotion for recognition, building a business for financial freedom, or seeking to solve a particular external problem. These motivations are valid, but they’re often tied to recognition, validation, or societal roles.
Core Why (Pillar 2): This is much deeper and more intrinsic. It’s that deep sense of meaning and resonance that comes from within when we're aligned with our most authentic self. It's less about the external reward and more about the feeling of purpose, connection, growth, or contribution that fuels us at our core. For instance, an external why might be "to be a successful leader," but the Core Why fueling that might be "a deep desire to empower others and help them grow."
Ideally, the most fulfilling paths are those where our external ‘whys’ are simply expressions of that Core Why. But many of us start with external motivations and, over time, peel back the layers to find something more lasting underneath.
And I really appreciate your feedback about the framework feeling a bit overwhelming. That’s such an important point. It’s something I’m actively trying to balance by sharing this as a series, and introducing each part slowly. That said, there’s also a part of me that feels if this kind of inner work were easy, this framework might have already existed. :)
Thanks again for engaging so deeply with my work! I really value your perspective. Cheers :)
If intelligence is relational, do you think identity forms the same way, through feedback loops between self-perception and how we’re mirrored back by others, or even by AI?
Fascinating point! Hierarchies imply direction, don't they? But mutual emergence suggests reciprocity. Like identity forming both from the top-down (cultural roles, authority, memory) and the bottom-up (interactions, feedback, reflection).
Maybe the real work is in becoming aware of which layer is shaping us in a given moment. And whether we're actively participating in that shaping.
Wow, your framework has depth. I'm pretty sure you put a lot of thought into it. You don't come up with something like this on a weekend. Really impressive work.
How would you differentiate between the Externally Driven Why and the Core WHY?
My feedback: While this is a powerful framework, I think for some readers this could a bit overwhelming.
Thank you so much, Philipp, for such a thoughtful and encouraging comment! I truly appreciate you recognizing the depth and effort that's gone into developing the Intentional Identity Design Framework. It really means a lot.
And an excellent question about differentiating the 'Externally Driven Why' (from Pillar 1, Defining Elements of Identity) and the 'Core Why' (from Pillar 2, the Inner Foundation).
Here's how I see them:
Externally Driven Why (Pillar 1): This is often tied to the tangible outcomes, achievements, or impacts we want to create in the world. It's the 'why' behind specific goals, like wanting a promotion for recognition, building a business for financial freedom, or seeking to solve a particular external problem. These motivations are valid, but they’re often tied to recognition, validation, or societal roles.
Core Why (Pillar 2): This is much deeper and more intrinsic. It’s that deep sense of meaning and resonance that comes from within when we're aligned with our most authentic self. It's less about the external reward and more about the feeling of purpose, connection, growth, or contribution that fuels us at our core. For instance, an external why might be "to be a successful leader," but the Core Why fueling that might be "a deep desire to empower others and help them grow."
Ideally, the most fulfilling paths are those where our external ‘whys’ are simply expressions of that Core Why. But many of us start with external motivations and, over time, peel back the layers to find something more lasting underneath.
And I really appreciate your feedback about the framework feeling a bit overwhelming. That’s such an important point. It’s something I’m actively trying to balance by sharing this as a series, and introducing each part slowly. That said, there’s also a part of me that feels if this kind of inner work were easy, this framework might have already existed. :)
Thanks again for engaging so deeply with my work! I really value your perspective. Cheers :)
Interesting framework, Nik! It reminds us that action is always necessary, no matter how good the thinking part is.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!
And yes, you're right. Thinking shapes our intent, but it's action that gives identity its expression.
Without that bridge, even the clearest self-understanding stays just theoretical.
Building a platform for Alternate Investment Funds & Growing my substack! :)
If intelligence is relational, do you think identity forms the same way, through feedback loops between self-perception and how we’re mirrored back by others, or even by AI?
Fascinating point! Hierarchies imply direction, don't they? But mutual emergence suggests reciprocity. Like identity forming both from the top-down (cultural roles, authority, memory) and the bottom-up (interactions, feedback, reflection).
Maybe the real work is in becoming aware of which layer is shaping us in a given moment. And whether we're actively participating in that shaping.