Recently, while binge-watching Mad Men, particularly Season 4 episodes like “The Summer Man” and “Beautiful Girls,” a thought-provoking statement caught my attention: “People tell you who they are, but we ignore it — because we want them to be who we want them to be.” It sparked a reflection on identity, echoing a theme explored in the Bhagavad Gita.

The exploration of terms like Adhidaivata and Adibhoota from Bhagavad Gita leads me to contemplate the ancient wisdom of “Aham Brahmaasmi” (I am Brahma).

Ahamkar, the internal tool guiding our perception, is crucial. Whether we perceive ourselves as a professional, a family member, or something grander like Brahma, it shapes our intellect, mind, and senses.

As I navigate through life, questions arise: How do I reinvent myself? How do I move forward? The Bhagavad Gita suggests a constant reinvention, recognizing that we are not the same person as yesterday. Keeping options open on a daily and hourly basis is key. Our work doesn’t bind us; rather, it’s the choices we make that shape our journey.

Consider programming, client interactions, hiring, or managing a team — they don’t confine us to a specific place or time. The freedom lies in choosing to approach our work with enthusiasm. If we feel restricted, it’s often a result of our own choices. Keeping options open at all times is a mindset that fosters freedom and flexibility.

Daily choices, even seemingly small ones like talking to strangers, shape our network and influence our experiences. Effectively communicating with everyone broadens our choices and opportunities.

Our identity plays a crucial role in the decisions we make — professionally and personally. Choosing to embrace the identity of Brahma, a constant affirmation, must be a daily practice. Forgetting this choice can lead to unintentional constraints.

In essence, the journey involves a continuous process of rediscovering and embracing our true identity — Brahma. It’s a daily commitment, a minute-by-minute practice that ensures we remain open to the myriad choices life presents.