are your personal labels holding you back from living your best life?
“I’m not a desert person!”
This is how I’ve always thought of myself. I don’t love hot weather or barren landscapes. Give me the beach or a forest packed with trees, please! But the desert? No thanks.
“I’m not a desert person” is one of the many labels I’ve given myself over the years.
And here’s the thing…
The labels we give ourselves matter.
While there is likely some truth to the labels we choose, they can keep us stuck if we settle into them too much. We run the risk of missing out on new experiences and opportunities if we identify too strongly with our labels.
Over a year ago, my daughter moved to the desert for college. I’ve been out to visit her on several different occasions and have spent time exploring where she lives. National parks, hiking trails, museums, and road trips… experiences I easily could have chosen to forego considering “I’m not a desert person”. I’ve had some incredible experiences there - in a place I don’t normally seek out.
So have I turned into a “desert person”?
No, not exactly.
I’d still much rather be at the beach with my toes in the sand or hiking in a forest. But I have learned to appreciate the gifts that the desert offers. The unique plant life, the gorgeous sunsets, the vast landscape, and the night sky. When I’m in the desert, I now realize there is much to enjoy. I seek out experiences that I might not otherwise pursue if I chose to identify with the belief that “I’m not a desert person”.
I decided to challenge a label that I’d given myself and that I had strongly identified with for most of my life. And this challenge has provided me with wonderful experiences and treasured memories.
what are some of the labels you currently have for yourself?
If you’re struggling to get started, here are several common labels that people often carry:
“I’m not creative”
“I’m not good with money”
“I don’t like exercise”
“I’m shy”
“I’m not a traveler”
“I’m not confident”
Using the labels above, here are some ways these limitations might be holding you back:
“I’m not a creative person” might be keeping you from signing up for an art class that looks interesting and that could be a lot of fun.
“I’m not good with money” might be an excuse for not saving up for a financial goal that will benefit you long term.
“I don’t like exercise” might be holding you back from exploring a fitness class or walking with a friend - movement that could end up bringing you health benefits and joy.
“I’m shy” might be convincing you that you don’t have what it takes to attend social gatherings that could bring friendship and connection into your life.
“I’m not a traveler” might be discouraging you from expanding your horizons and learning about new regions and cultures.
“I’m not confident” might be tricking you into believing that you don’t have the necessary personality or skills to achieve a personal or professional dream.
Not all labels are harmful. If you have certain labels that benefit you and that are in line with your values, there’s no need to reframe them. But chances are, you do have some labels that are holding you back.
Which of your personal labels are holding you back?
Which labels are keeping you stuck or depleting you? Which beliefs are holding you back mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?
How to challenge labels that might be holding you back:
Step 1
Write down the labels you feel are holding you back
Step 2
For each label, ask yourself the following questions:
Where did this label come from?
When did I begin to identify with this label?
Who would I be without this label?
What is one thing I can do to challenge this label?
How can I find support as I challenge this label?
Step 3
Choose one of these labels and come up with one way to challenge it.
Sign up for a local or online art class.
Schedule an appointment with a financial advisor.
Pay attention to ways that you move your body that feel good.
Ask a friend if they’ll attend a social event with you.
Plan a weekend out-of-town excursion.
Practice positive affirmations.
Challenging our personal labels is an empowering practice that can open up possibilities and wonder in our lives.
If you could use some extra support as you challenge some of your personal labels and limiting beliefs, let’s connect for a complimentary 20-minute consultation and see if coaching is right for you. There’s never any pressure or obligation, just a great way for us to connect!
Click here to schedule your coaching consultation call today!