The Identity Code

by Ackerman Larry

A noted branding expert and the author of Identity is Destiny brings his corporate message to the individual

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Ingmar · Rating 2 out of 5]

It gave me a general overview about my idenity. But it wasn't that good of a story and not much new stuff to learn for me...
I don't recommend it I think they're way more better books about this genre.

[Mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning I wasn’t too sure about this one, but Larry is really onto something here. After the first few chapters, I was hooked. This is going back on my bookshelf to keep for reference.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Become thyself*

Have you ever asked yourself any of these eight questions?
*Who am I?
*What makes me special?
*Is there a pattern to my life?
*Where am I going?
*What is my gift?
*Who can I trust?
*What is my message?
*Will my life be rich?

If so, _The Identity Code_ can help you further explore the answers. To do so, the author presents the following eight "laws of identity" and their associated tasks and guiding principles:

I. The Law of Being
---An individual's ability to live depends first upon defining one's self as separate from all others.
*Task: Know who you are by defining yourself as separate from all others.
*Guiding principle: "I am alone; I am free to be who I am." (p. 55)

II. The Law of Individuality
---A person's natural capacities invariably fuse into a discernible identity that makes that person unique.
*Task: Learn what makes you special by unearthing what you love.
*Guiding principle: "I am unique." (p. 69)

III. The Law of Constancy
---Identity is fixed, transcending time and place, while its manifestations are constantly changing.
*Task: Find the pattern to your life by making the connections that explain past events and foreshadow your future.
*Guiding principle: "I am immutable, even as I grow and evolve." (p. 82)

IV. The Law of Will
---Every individual is compelled to create value in accordance with his or her identity.
*Task: Understand where you are going by committing to the path revealed in what you've learned so far.
*Guiding principle: "To live, I must express myself fully." (p. 97)

V. The Law of Possibility
---Identity foreshadows potential.
*Task: Discover your gift by following the signs of joy.
*Guiding principle: "I have much to give." (p. 111)

VI. The Law of Relationship
---Individuals are inherently relational and relationships are only as strong as the natural alignment between the identities of the participants.
*Task: Know who you can trust by taking stock of who matters and why.
*Guiding principle: "I need others and am most productive with those who need me in return." (p. 132)

VII. The Law of Comprehension
---An individual's various capacities are only as valuable as the perceived value of the whole of that individual.
*Task: Figure out your message by declaring yourself on the strength of your gift.
*Guiding principle: "To establish meaningful relationships, I must first be recognized for who I am." (p. 153)

VII. The Law of the Cycle
---Identity governs value, which produces wealth, which fuels identity.
*Task: Determine whether your life will be rich, by surrendering to the pull of identity.
*Guiding principle: "I will receive in accordance with what I give." (p. 172)

Using these eight laws of identity, _The Identity Code_ revolves around helping a person become more of who they already are. Although the approach is nicely presented and summarized in the above eight steps, the actual process is a complex, dynamic, and life-long one. As the author states: "Authenticity is what identity is all about" (p. 27), and the book provides great framework for beginning to really question who you are--and are not.

Here's to becoming thyself.

[Valeria Koopman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Identity Code is a must-read book for individuals interested in self-discovery, self-knowledge, and ultimately, living an authentic and purposeful life that benefits everyone they touch.
I especially love the passage, Follow the signs of joy, in Chapter Five. It’s by being aware of, and recognizing what brings a deep smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts that lead to meaningful living.
It was a joy to have had a conversation with Larry Ackerman during a podcast interview! His presence reflected his commitment to change lives.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are lots of books on identity; this one was recommended by a fellow speaker at a recent conference. The speaker was cranky but interesting, so I bought the book.

It was a disappointment. It's superficial and certainly not as good as The Artist's Way (Cameron), for my money the best book of this sort by far -- even for non-artists.

[Nikki Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at the recommendation of a woman during an interesting session at the Life Rocks conference this year. Most of it seemed like work I have already been doing. The final third of the book held some new-to-me ideas and proved rather inspiring. Overall it is well-conceived and written, and I recommend it.

[lynne fireheart · Rating 1 out of 5]

Crap. Total crap.

Again someone who's convinced he's "discovered" these "natural" "laws" this time concerning identity... but bottom line, he's not saying anything new. Start here or with any other book - just don't swallow everything hook line & sinker...

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good info - boring presentation.