I am not what happened to me – Carl Jung

This is a stunning quote about the power of resolve. We don’t have any control over our circumstances. But how we react to our situation depends on us. We are not defined by our circumstances. Our character tells us what to do about the things that happen to us. These lead us to actions which eventually define the outcome.

A cynical part of me even says – it is great to say all this, but my circumstances and environment deeply impact who I become as a person. Although there’s truth to both opinions, I think ultimately, it is your choice to decide what you want to believe in. Your decisions help the mind to focus on defining its stories and correspondingly what you’ll want to do about this. In the end, you get to choose what influences your mindset.

I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become

We have seen numerous examples of people who’ve faced terrible things – yet lived on to perform amazing outcomes. These examples make me wonder – what is their source of energy and passion which makes them do all this amidst challenges? I mean, none of the circumstances sound conducive!

I am not what happened to me
I am not what happened to me

But yet, they go on and do that. These are not just because they’re amazing personalities or blessed with a mindset that can make anything happen. It must be something more powerful and magical. It is perhaps a part of them that finds the energy to turn things around and say – what can I do to make things better? What matters the most to me and how do I create the reality I want to.

I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become

Carl Jung

I am not what happened to me

We cannot only be the victims of the circumstances. It gives too much power and control to the circumstance. Instead, we must take control of our lives and drive it forward. It won’t give us all the results but stops us from complaining and whining about life. Our best results are in taking action and the first step is to take charge of our life.

The problem is – if we keep focusing on our circumstances, there’s enough to defeat us. It is easy to find reasons for our failures. Each one of these reasons will be more compelling than the other. But ultimately, life is not just about these reasons isn’t it? Or else, every story we hear could’ve been a boring one. The whole premise of inspiration falls flat!

Where Your Fear is, There is your Task – Carl Jung

Quotes from Carl Jung

I am who I choose to become

The quote is inspirational because it helps you think beyond these limitations. We will always have circumstances that will hold us back and make us feel weak. But these are nothing but mere challenges. You’ll have to question- what is bigger – the challenge itself or your resolve to get what you want.

This process will ask you to become something more and do something more as well. It is a constant process of evolution and growth. None of us will ever be perfect and that’s the right way to go, isn’t it? If we were already perfect – what’s the point in life?

The beauty of this quote – I am not what happened to me is that it constantly looks within to find your source of energy and passion. It will carve a path for you to get what you truly deserve and desire. Everything else is a mere process to get to the ultimate goal

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”

Carl Jung

References: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/38285.C_G_Jung


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Vinay Nagaraju

Product Director with 10+ years in leadership roles - team building, product strategy, coaching and mentoring are a part of my everyday responsibilities. I write about motivational words that inspire us and shape our thinking and help us go beyond these thoughts to find what our minds are telling us and evolve.

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