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Role Confusion as an Ally
Role confusion is a state of being that allows for curiosity. As you develop roles, you can prove to yourself that things can change. This ability to change yourself is crucial to life's processes: professional, personal, sexual, and when grieving. Refusal to take on certain roles at this point is also part of the journey. Saying “No” to a role creates needed boundaries, and can result in a yes down the road.
Taking on new roles tests you. Letting go of old roles also tests you. It is the process of the test that allows the role confusion to be an ally. Here are some prompts to start turning confusion into an ally:
- Think of a time when you had to shift from one role to another. What did it accomplish?
- Which of your current roles was your choice and which ones were not?
- What are some of the roles you have had to, or would like to, let go of?
- What is a role you play in multiple settings?
- What roles might help you become less stuck? Motivate you? Act as an ally rather than keeping you stuck?
Once these questions are pondered and built upon, growth can be seen as adjacent to flexibility within roles and situations. From this thoughtful way of articulating needs and structures, fluidity is born. At this point, every opportunity, no matter if it is a verticle or horizontal move, is a “learn-while-you-earn” opportunity.
