One of my favorite career theorists is Donald E. Super. Fueled by his interest in the self-concept, Super wrote extensively about the relationship between how we think and feel about ourselves, and how we perform in the roles we play.

Super understood the link between the personal and career changes we experience and how these changes influence our self-concept. An individual’s self-concept in grade school will be different as a student at University, then changes again as a new employee, and again as a seasoned employee. Our self-concept changes over time and develops as a result of our life experiences. My self-concept as a parent when my children were toddlers changed when they became teenagers. My self-concept when I was a new counselor matured as I learned and gained experience. Life changes. We learn and grow. Our self-concept changes, too.

Super’s emphasis on self-concept reminds me of Plato’s “know thyself” aphorism. This wise saying invites us to be curious and creative in times of self-reflection. Self-reflection can start with a question. Our answer to it offers insight to our cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns.

Here’s a creative approach to being curious about your life stories.

1. Who did you admire while growing up?

• What do you admire about each of these role models or heroes?
• How are you like each person?
• How are you different from them?

Your answers might give insight to the traits, values, and skills you admire. Knowing all this may provide a window of understanding and clarification of your ideal self and your life goals. When we talk about our role models, we are often talking about ourselves.

2. What is your favorite book as a child? As an adult? What did you most love about those books?

We are often drawn to a book with a plot that resembles our own dilemma or life challenges, and may indicate our identification with a character. How did the character resolve his or her challenge or situation?

3. Do you have a favorite saying or motto? Is there a saying that you remember hearing?

Favorite sayings are often words to live by and words that resonate on a personal level. They may represent a title to your own life story.

4. What TV shows do you enjoy? Why?

TV shows may indicate our preferred environment for work, play, or home. What features of that environment do you find desirable?

I want my clients to be curious. I ask each one to answer these types of questions prior to our first meeting. We always find this process to be meaningful and productive. Often, clients realize how life experiences have influenced their career values, self-concept, and life goals. These new insights give meaning and a sense of purpose to the work they feel called to do.

Learn more about Super’s theory

References
Sharf, Richard S., “Introduction to Super’s Life-Span Theory.” Applying Career Development Theory to Counseling. Third ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole, 2002. 153-61. Print.

Taber, B. J., Hartung, P. J., Briddick, H., & Rehfuss, M. C. (March 2011). Career Style Interview: A Contextualized Approach to Career Counseling. The Career Development Quarterly, 59, 274-287.