The Historical You and the Possible You

As you live your life today, there are two versions of “you” that influence your beliefs and decisions. All of us have the choice as to which version we will fixate on more, and which version has the most sway over our life.

The first version of you that influences your life is the Historical You. This you is comprised of your past—your past decisions, your past relationships, your past callings, jobs, hobbies, attitudes, beliefs, and so on. The Historical You is who you have been, and where you’ve been. It’s why you’re here today. There’s value and merit to the Historical You. Without that past, you wouldn’t be who you are.

Consider a newborn baby. On Day One of the baby’s life, he or she can potentially speak any language in the world. However, where in the world the baby is born—to what parents, in what culture, in what nation—will determine what language he or she learns to speak first. A German baby will speak German. An Italian baby will speak Italian. A Chinese baby will speak Chinese. 

However, the potential to speak any language doesn’t ever fully go away. As an adult, this person can study other languages and learn them, as well. Here we see the shift—while the Historical You does much to inform your identity in the present moment, it only does so much to serve you as you move forward.

That’s where the Possible You comes in.

The Possible You is comprised of all the dormant possibilities God has placed inside of you. Example of these possibilities include learning a new language; finding a new career; making new friendships; learning more about God and your faith; and so many more! The Possible You is made up of so many exciting, unexplored realms.

The struggle comes when the Historical You hinders us from seeing and chasing the Possible You. We think our Historic Self is where life is, when really, there is so much more God has for us. Our possibilities are greater than our histories! Once we realize that, we’ll stop being held back by our yesterdays.

Think of some of the greatest leaders in the Bible: David. Esther. Peter. These were people who were shepherds, fishermen, and beauty queens before God’s plan came to fruition in their lives. They could have stayed stuck in their previous, historical identity. Instead, they realized that God saw more in them—He had possibilities wired into them—and they embraced those opportunities with God by their side.

So…which version of you will influence your life today? I pray you’ll allow the Possible You to be at the forefront of your mind and heart.

This article was written by Sam Chand

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Sam Chand has served as senior pastor, college president, chancellor and president emeritus. A consultant and mentor to leaders of leaders, Sam Chand’s singular vision for his life is to help others succeed. Sam Chand develops leaders through consultations, books and speaking engagements. Leaders are using Sam Chand's books as handbooks worldwide in leadership development.