The Formulation of One's Identity

How much can an individual control the developing of their identity? The identity of an individual is determined according to the individual characteristics by which a thing or person is recognized or known. We are all born with a set of physical characteristics that determine our outward identity, while how we were raised and in what culture/environment influences our inner ideals that direct our actions. Upon reaching adolescence, and taught that we are our own entity to develop, in what way can we cultivate ourselves into what we want to be? I’m currently writing an argument paper on the affects of leisure and whether passive or active leisure is a better choice in the formation of ones identity. Knowing that we can spend our free time in any way, leads me to conclude that our identity can be directed by the way we choose to spend our time. Many different cultures however, do not view this as possible or socially acceptable in some ways. Every generation has a trend to which people choose to spend their time, and more often than not, the one’s who passively live through life, may develop an identity crisis later on in life. By not spending enough time to establish your own idea’s about life, you will abide by the general knowledge presented to all, resulting in little difference in your identity and others who live their lives passively. If you choose to face challenges that are attainable, you will steadily build up knowledge and skills that will contribute to your identity. Spending your leisure actively will make you more unique to others regardless of the way they spend their time as a result of your individual findings about the challenges of life. These ideas were presented to me in my research for my paper. I’m not sure whether I’m right in that people who spend time in active leisure differ more from other people, regardless of their choice of leisure. What do you think?