Self-identity is a very complicated thing to assess. “Who am I” is what I should ask myself. We generally do not know our own identity to face the world around us. We only assess ourselves from a macro perspective but not in detail.
Sometimes it becomes very important for a person to actually do a self-assessment in an effort to evaluate the personality that we reflect ourselves to the outside world and to those around both at home and in the company of all. A “3D personality” assessment is usually required to understand who we actually are. We must primarily take note that our parents are not always correct in taking decisions regarding our academic and career fate. They do not gauge all aspects of our personality.
People may find this as something very simple, much to the contrary. We also take our personality for granted overall, but unfortunately that does not help especially when we face the world around us. As stated before, even our parents and relatives cannot assess everything regarding ourselves. Petty negative personality issues can impact our fate in many ways. Therefore, a form of a self-evaluation from a third dimension may be needed from another person to do or a counsellor to engage in and go into the nitty gritties of our personalities to identify.
Very often learning of oneself needs to be done early enough so that the right path to academic decisions, career planning, job searching and settling down is done properly. It facilitates matters drastically. We as individuals must give leverage to ourselves to exercise choices of likes and dislikes, wants and rejects, etc. This itself is a part of our personality development. In so doing we tend to create a complete personality whereby our way forward in life can be made clearer.
At the same time, exposure to a wide variety of interests such as travelling, engagement in new things, etc also are contributory to perspective development. At the same time, even at the rural level, any form of engagement helps to develop the mind -- whether it be civil discourse, engaging in physical sport, or what have you. These help emphasize inert abilities which are not touched upon regularly and, in the process, they get reflected. Parents must know the same because it is mandatory that they understand their children in full, and not overlook them and generalize their needs and wants. Otherwise, a very limited personality develops.
A big portion remains with parentage and their approach and way of life. However, we cannot blame the parents alone as their limited exposure may be the cause of their limited approach. However, stubbornness should be unacceptable. Therefore, we cannot rely only on parents but to seek professional advice at each and every step of our self-development. It may also be noted that with time demands of the market and academic focus may change. However, the basic thing does change for a person: What I like and what I want.
For this to actually be effective one does need to do a self-assessment such as an individual SWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunities Threat). The first two features are applicable to an individual personality. On the basis of that we can see where the person can get opportunities and where the person can find it difficult to manage, especially when the environment is threatening and can be difficult to manage.
Why am I suddenly discussing such a broad topic? I am seeing a lot of potential resources not being given direction in Bangladesh. For this to be effective, a platform is required at a national level. I see it as a void that needs to be filled at every level, from the grassroots to the upper echelons. If proper focus is being emphasized on this matter, we will see a drastic impact in the development of this country to the fullest. There is a huge need to actually get skilled resources in the right place as well as equip them properly to address the changing needs of the times because this single focus has the potential to bring about a revolutionary change in the very way we develop as a country.
I also feel that the rightful persons need to be engaged in the matter. We cannot just involve anyone. The person must qualify for the task as it is critical to understand the scope of work and the purpose of this need requirement. We certainly do not want this hypothetical platform to be a failure. This is a genuine purpose and at the same time the cause needs a blind dedication and commitment as this is addressing a national level social purpose.
It is absolutely something that cannot be overlooked as it is the source of one’s success or failure and due to this, it will certainly need to be addressed at every level. Neglect has its effects which may later be irreversible.
We also see the need at every level the institutes we are in as individuals, from pre-school right up to our employment, a deep need to have a counsellor employed by the place of our studies and in our employment. They will guide us and bring the best out of us. This will aid the process of individual development drastically as we yearn for the best out of all to get the desired output.
Proper direction and guidance are very relevant in the Bangladeshi context and should be a priority as far as the state is concerned -- they are the rightful entitlements of each individual from childhood onwards. To develop a country, one must develop themselves as an individual first.
Waleed Morshed is a consultant, institutional advisor, and entrepreneur.
