Don't Copy Others. Identify Yourself.

One of the greatest tragedies in life is spending years becoming someone you were never created to be.

We live in a world that constantly tells us whom to follow, whom to admire, and sometimes, whom to become. Social media presents thousands of successful people every day. It is easy to look at their lives and wonder:

• Should I become like them?
• Am I in the right field?
• What if I am pursuing the wrong dream?
• What am I actually good at?

Perhaps the better question is:

Who am I?

The Story of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

A small boy from the southern tip of India became one of the most respected scientists and Presidents the world has ever known.

We all know how much Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam loved science and technology. However, many people are surprised to learn that he was not particularly enthusiastic about his undergraduate degree in Physics. Later in life, he expressed regret that it was not aligned with his deepest interests.

Eventually, he discovered what truly excited him—aerospace engineering—and pursued it with passion and dedication.

The world remembers Abdul Kalam not because he copied someone else's life but because he identified his own calling and remained faithful to it.

Identifying vs Copying

There are two important words in this discussion:

Copying

Copying is attempting to make our lives exactly like someone else's.

Identifying

Identifying is recognising who we are and understanding the gifts, passions, and purpose God has entrusted to us.

There is nothing wrong with learning from others.

In fact, we should.

We can imitate good habits, learn from wise people, and be inspired by great leaders. But we must never lose ourselves while admiring others.

Learning from others is wisdom.

Trying to become someone else is a mistake.

Why Should We Identify Ourselves?

When we understand ourselves, we gain clarity about:

• Our strengths.
• Our priorities.
• Our passions.
• Our calling.
• Our limitations.
• Our purpose in life.

Many people spend their entire lives trying to improve what they are not good at while neglecting the gifts they naturally possess.

Management consultant Peter Drucker once said:

"Ignore your weaknesses and improve your strengths."

That statement may sound controversial, but it reminds us of an important truth—we often invest more time fixing our weaknesses than developing our strengths.

Your strengths are clues to who you are.

Why Not Copy Others?

The truth is that copying someone else's life is impossible.

No two people share the same:

• Family background.
• Life experiences.
• Talents.
• Opportunities.
• Calling.
• Personality.
• Interests.

God has not created us as photocopies of one another.

Comparison often leads to frustration because we are attempting to live someone else's story while neglecting our own.

You were never meant to become a second version of another person.

You were created to become the best version of yourself.

What Should We Identify?

If we want to understand ourselves better, we must ask important questions.

Identify:

• Your interests.
• Your hobbies.
• Your priorities.
• Your purpose in life.
• The things that bring you joy.
• The gifts God has given you.
• The opportunities before you.

Miles Munroe once said:

"The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without purpose."

Purpose brings clarity.

How Can We Identify Ourselves?

Ask yourself:

• What excites me?
• What am I naturally drawn towards?
• What kind of work gives me satisfaction?
• What do people appreciate about me?
• What am I willing to do even when nobody pays me?
• What problems in society move my heart?

Our passions, experiences, and gifts often reveal important clues about our calling.

Self-examination is one of the most valuable practices in discovering who we are.

Sometimes, identifying ourselves is not about discovering something entirely new—it is about paying attention to what God has already placed within us.

Build on Your Strengths

Every person has weaknesses.

You do not have to become excellent at everything.

Instead, invest time in developing the strengths that God has entrusted to you.

If someone else excels in an area where you struggle, celebrate their success.

You do not need to compete with everyone around you.

Run your own race faithfully.

Stop Comparing Your Journey

One of the greatest dangers of our generation is comparison.

We compare:

• Ministries.
• Careers.
• Relationships.
• Talents.
• Success.
• Social media achievements.

Comparison steals both joy and identity.

You may admire someone's achievements without abandoning your own journey.

God has not called you to imitate another person's destiny.

He has called you to steward your own.

Finally...

The world does not need another copy of someone else.

It needs the person God created you to be.

So, stop asking:

"Whom should I become?"

And start asking:

"Who am I becoming?"

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your gifts, interests, and experiences are not accidents. They are part of the beautiful story God is writing through your life.

Do not copy someone else's identity.

Discover your own.

"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
— Psalm 139:14

Identify yourself. Build upon your strengths. Live your calling faithfully.

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Originally written during my seminary days 2022 and revised in 2026.

With love,

Rev. Dn. R. Daniel Justine
Raise Lives
www.raiselives.in