We would better understand the dynamic nature of ’self’ if, rather than talking about ’self’, we spoke about ’selfing’. We are indeed creating our ’self structure’ everyday as we engage the contexts within which we find ourselves. Our self structure consists of bundled ‘patterns’ predisposing us to engage our environments using; a) particular filters, and b) templates for action. We have been doing so for many years and it is by virtue of real action in real time, that we sustain the patterns.

The contexts within which we find ourslves may change dramatically. Indeed, these days few cultures (no cultures?) are exempt from dramatic fast paced change  resulting from developments in science, and technology. On a smaller scale, as we change jobs, as we move to new communities, divorce partners, have children with special needs, etc. we are forced to adapt to ever changing contexts.

Our patterns are context-dependent. We do not exist in a vacuum. As we find ourselves struggling with new contextual demands we can adapt. However, to the extent that we identify with static conceptions of self we will block our own adaptation. Static conceptions of self include:

1. “I’m a ‘type A’ personality”
2. “I’m an introvert”
3. “I’m ‘anal’”
4. A variant of a static conception of personality that looks like it’s dynamic, but is not dynamic, is “I always do X”.

To work with our innate capacity to change (grow) we must dispense with static conceptions of self. We must meet the above assertions head on’

1. “I’m a ‘type A’ personality” must become, “Up to this point in my life, I’ve been ‘type A‘.” This sets the stage for a belief that change is possible.
2. “I’m an introvert” must become “I’m an introvert, these days.” The ‘these days’ suggests this may not be true in the future.
3. “I’m ‘anal’” must become “I’m pretty ‘anal’, these days.” Again the ‘these days’ suggests this may not be true in the future.
4.  ”I always do X” must be met with a tongue-in-cheek, “So?”

These dynamic revisions of conceptions of self are consistent with everything we know about mental processing. Without a dynamic conception of self, there is no platform for growth. Careful monitoring of one’s own speech to correct language that reflects static conceptions of self can create a window of opportunity for you to make changes that seem to be in your best interest.