Most, if not all, of us acquire labels which bind and define us as we go through life. We’re children, parents, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands, and partners. We take on job titles, roles within our families, and the labels we give to ourselves. Others impose labels on us, just as we impose labels on them. The labels we have, voluntarily or otherwise, can build us up and just as easily knock us down. And, as a result of those labels, you may find yourself asking how enormous the gap is between who you authentically want to be and who you are right now. In other words, who do you want to be?
It is absolutely possible that you are delighted with who you are, how you define yourself, and how others define you. Your labels may define you in a way which works with who you are and who you want to be. And if this is the case, carry on doing what you’re doing. Alternatively, you may find yourself rebelling against the labels, dissatisfied with how you and others describe you.
This is all well and good. The question then is how you change the labels. How do you stop being who you are right now and become who you authentically want to be? Some of your labels may even stop you from asking those questions, limiting your choices and options. Dropping some of those labels may have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences. Therefore, is that a risk you are willing to take? And, what will others make of your changes? Will they accept the new you, or will they simply ignore you and expect you to conform to the definitions which they wish to impose?
There is another way. Firstly, forget the labels for a moment. Instead, think about what you want to do and what you want to have in your life. Then make a plan to make it all happen. Labels, much like emotions, can simply take care of themselves as you start to have what you want to have and do what you want to do. Define your life and your actions, and let others worry about labels. Abandon the stereotypes and be the authentic you. And notice just how liberating it is when you are doing and having who you want to be, without a label limiting and restricting you.
If you know how to make it happen, do it now. If you’re not sure, book an initial consultation here, and work out what the next step is. You know that you can do it, and you know that it makes sense, don’t you?
