Reject the label

It is possible for people around you to think that they know you. Don’t be surprised when you receive all kinds of tags. People will try to tell you who you are. You may hear things like: you are slow, you are impatient, you are shy, you are aggressive, you are a failure, etc. In fact, you may even take an online test that suggests who you are. Putting labels on people is a common thing. It is sometimes as if everyone around you knows you except yourself. Those observing you reach conclusions about you too quickly assuming that they have the power to do so.

Many have become victims of the labels put on them by people who have some kind of authority or influence over them. The label may come from parents, siblings, spouses, bosses, colleagues, friends, etc. The problem with accepting the labels is that of succumbing to behaviours that project that label as if one is being controlled by it. However, none of us has any permanent form of personality. Everyone can improve their behaviour, shape their character, and become a better individual. We should reject labels that do not define who we truly want to be and focus on building ourselves into the person we desire to become. 
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Are you wearing a tag put on you by those who exercise influence over you? Have you been labeled or assigned a personality type that doesn’t reflect your desire? It is time to reject the label and start working on personal improvements instead. Whatever anyone thinks or assumes about you does not tell your story. You can choose to become the person you have envisioned to be, and also determine how you present yourself to those around you. Do not let anyone belittle you or constrain you with a label. Reject the label and focus on personal growth. 

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Actions for the week

1. Take some time to think. Are you acting based on a label or tag put on you by someone else? 
2. Tell yourself that you are capable of continuously improving. Reject any label and embrace personal growth instead.
3. Share this message with those in your network. 

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 A quote to remember 
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?” –Marianne Williamson

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books