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Don't Let Labels Define You

Don't Let Labels Define You

Juan Esterhuizen Transformation Psychologist & Life Coach

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Don't Let Labels Define You

“Waking up to who you are requires letting go of who you imagine yourself to be.” - Alan Watts

We live in a society where labels are prevalent. Everyone will try to label you, including yourself. This has been happening since our formative years. It takes some introspection to realise this. Take a moment or two to think about it.

After some time, these labels become so deeply ingrained in our subconscious that they shape our identity. "We believe this is who we are." It becomes the foundation of our lives, and we tell ourselves, "I am this person." "I am not this person." "I can do this." "I can't do this." These labels shape our entire persona and sense of reality.

In school, we are quickly classified and labelled based on our intelligence, academic performance, reading ability, behaviour, and physical coordination. These labels can be positive or negative, such as being considered a good or bad student, a proficient or struggling reader, too energetic or introverted, or athletic or clumsy. The list of labels seems endless. We start to believe these ideas and accept them as indisputable truths. While you may or may not still identify with some of the labels you were given during childhood, it is probable that you still conform to and exhibit some of the behaviours associated with those labels. Whether they are intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, or political, you still label everything, including yourself.

Stepping out of the box and into your limitless potential.

When you recognize the limitations imposed on you by your family, friends, teachers, and ego, you can reclaim your power and decide to surpass those boundaries. You can become whoever you wish to be, or do whatever you once thought was impossible.

To free yourself from limiting beliefs, you must first acknowledge what is real and what is not. You need to distinguish between self-imposed limitations and reality. This is the first step towards freeing yourself.

The second task is likely the most difficult. You must consciously decide to step outside of your familiar comfort zone and embrace the unknown. This is where most people get stuck. We are only human and we fear the unknown and change. We fear that we may not be good enough, fear rejection, fear failure, and fear uncertainty about our future. To unlock your true potential and become the best version of yourself, you must step out of your comfort zone.

Remember, life is like a school on earth where we are meant to learn how to live with love and empowerment, rather than as victims. You are not a victim of your past or your labels. You are a human being capable of achieving anything you set your heart, mind, and soul on.

So, rise up, be brave, and go for that thing you have been putting off because of fear. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good and are supportive. Have faith and choose to believe that anything is possible. Believe in yourself and remember that you are limitless.

Don't Let Labels Define You

Juan Esterhuizen Transformation Psychologist & Life Coach

Juan Esterhuizen Transformation Psychologist & Life Coach is a published psychologist, integrative life coach and stress and trauma release therapist with a practice in Caledon. Offering a range of exclusive in-person and online psychological counselling services, Juan is also available to travel to...

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