Our brain loves to categorize things right or wrong, good or bad, black or white.
We can easily make 35,000 decisions a day. How amazing is that!
Therefore, labeling is a helpful habit – to make automatic decisions to reduce the cognitive load.
Yet, labeling things can also prevent us from seeing the broader (and probably more important) perspective.
Labeling is where the conflicts come from: “I’m right. You’re wrong” – there is no room for understanding.
Labeling is what separates us: “I’m Asian. You are white”, “I’m a woman. You are a guy.” – we focus on the differences rather than the fact we are all humans!
Labeling is when we conclude the outcome as good or bad. We judge ourselves as doing a great job or shame ourselves into not repeating the same “mistake” – there is no joy of learning from all situations.
Labeling is where we name our thoughts/emotions as positive or negative. We want to keep the positive and run away from the negative. We see the negative as a “problem” that needs to be fixed – there is no acceptance nor compassion toward ourselves.
Labeling is where we limit ourselves: “I am an introvert so I can’t be a great leader” or “This is my personality. Take it or leave it” – there is no expansion beyond who we label ourselves to be.
The act of labeling itself isn’t right or wrong either. It’s essential for us to function.
The key is when we choose to open ourselves up to see more of WHAT REALLY IS beyond the labeling.Â
✨ We all have different sets of values and experience. What I think is right doesn’t make you wrong. The world is big enough to hold diverse people with different views.
✨ We all share similar versions of doubts, fears, worries, and love.
✨ We’ll never make mistakes. Because we make a decision based on what we know at the time. The result is merely information to help us do the next best thing!
✨ All thoughts and emotions are normal – it’s all part of us. It’s who we are at the moment. It’s the journey of growth.
✨ We know who we are – an evolving human being with limitless possibilities if we stay open to it.
Now it’s your turn.
What can you see or experience when you look beyond labels?
If you feel like these labels are creating barriers in your careers and holding you back from reaching your full potential, drop me a DM!
Love, Wen