One interesting contrast between English and Cantonese speakers is the way they describe what they do.
English speakers tend to assert an identity: I’m a teacher. He’s a photographer. She is a great basketball player. Cantonese speakers prefer to state the verb: I teach (我教書). He likes to take photos (佢鍾意影相). She plays basketball really well (佢打籃球好勁).
The English way of thinking is powerful. An identity shapes your beliefs. If you believe you are a marathon runner, going on a long run is natural. The behavior is expected.
There is, however, one limitation: you can establish an empty identity and fail to follow through with any action. Painters that don’t paint. Artists that don’t create. Entrepreneurs that don’t start businesses.
The best strategy is to combine the two: state the identity and act.
Say “I’m a scientist” and head to the lab.
Say “I’m a chef” and fire up the stove.
Say “I’m a designer” and sketch.
Do both.