50 Cent has FU Money. The rapper-turned-entrepreneur has so much money that he bought 200 front-row seats to Ja Rule’s show. _Just to keep them empty._ How’s that for some shade? FU Money is the holy grail for hard-charging bankers, software engineers and entrepreneurs. FU Money lets you play by your own rules and blaze your own trail – __without caring what others think.__ If you think that’s cool, what about __FU Identity?__ ## What’s an identity? That begs an important question, what is an identity? Is it how you see yourself? Or how [others see you]()? It’s a deep question that spans psychology, theology, biology, culture and countless other disciplines. There’s no way I could do it justice with a single post. So instead, here’s a simple framework that can lead you to the promised land of FU Identity: ## 1\. Does your identity come from inputs? Identity is outward facing. It’s how you [send your Bat Signal to your peer group](). This can show up as: An _Ivy League degree_ that tells future employers that you’re “smart.” A _Let’s go Brandon_ sticker that shows your political affinity. A _Tesla_ that shows how much you care for the planet. You collect a bunch of inputs. And poof, these inputs spit out your identity. _But be careful._ While this identity can serve as your anchor and a _porte-manteau_[to the outside world]() – It can also be a self-limiting crutch. And like many things in life, [it often fades](). ## 2\. Is your identity an output FU identity, OTOH comes from _not_ being pot-committed to an identity. But it comes from having a dynamic and versatile identity. One that adapts. One that is resilient and opens possibility. One that makes you an _identity shape-shifter._ Take Donald Glover, the _entertainer_. Heck, he literally [has two identities]() since performs as _Childish Gambino_. He’s a rapper, crooner, actor, activist, comedian, writer and producer. (Yeah, that’s a mouthful) His fellow rapper, Vince Staples said he admires Glover’s ability to _“do something different every time.”_ When your identity is the output, you do things, _irrespective_ of the labels they bring you. You do things for the [inherent joy of the activity](). You do things because you’re passionate about the craft. Sure, these activities often come with benefits. They’ll often give you an identity – even if you weren’t explicitly looking for one. But if you love the process, you can never become a prisoner to the identity. ## __3\. Taking the “F” out of FU__ I love to curse, but the F in FU Money/FU Identity is problematic. And it’s not that it’s vulgar, patronizing and uncouth. (Though, it is.) It’s that it presupposes that [you don’t need anybody](). That your actions don’t impact others. That you are your own _ride or die._ And that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re a social species. We don’t live on islands. We don’t want to live in gated communities. Our actions impact others. Regardless of FU money. Regardless of FU identity. ## Here’s how we can help you * [The Life Operating System](): Your home base for personal productivity. It combines tasks, notes, project management and a CRM in one place. * [Supercharge your Productivity](): Learn how our $10K Work method can help you improve your mind, career and relationships. * [Apply for our Group Coaching:]() Are you an executive or founder undergoing a career change? We’ll give you frameworks and accountability for this transition. * [The RadReads Newsletter](): Sign up for 5 actionable insights each Saturday for a life well-lived.