3+ Ways Labels Help- Not Hinder- The Direction We Move In Life
There is a lot of talk about labels these days, and a lot of it mostly valid. Human beings are complex creatures and can’t fit in one box with a pretty little label on it.
What if labels, just like people, weren’t all bad?
They have a purpose that can be used to help us to apply meaning and understanding to the world around us. The problem comes when we try to attach ONE label and all ideas surrounding that label are the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
However, the concept of labels can be just as fluid as human beings. We are ever growing and ever changing beings, and the labels attached to us should have that same fluidity.
So if we attach this idea of fluid, changing and flexible labels, how can they help?
Giving Definition
Labels give us a direction. Rather than just floating out in the cosmic what-have-you, we can define who we are and what we want.
We are actually using labels on a consistent basis in regards to ourselves. We use them daily in our affirmations, whether positive or negative. “I am so stupid.” “I am so funny.” “I’m such a nerd.” “I am…” Aren’t these labels, too?
It’s funny to me that we are constantly using labels on ourselves, but rejecting the idea of labels altogether.
Not only are labels used in quality traits, but in our professional life: “I am a teacher.” “I am a writer.” “I am a coach.”
As well as in our personal lives: “I am a runner.” “I am a bookworm.” “I am a foodie.” “I am a musician.”
These labels create understanding. They help us understand who we are; the things we do, the things we enjoy.
We are then able to communicate to others, to better help them understand who we are as well.
Creating Connections
We know who we are with the labels we give ourselves, then we are able to connect with others who have the same labels.
We follow people on Twitter, join Facebook groups and read through hashtags on Instagram, meeting complete strangers, but wanting to connect with this person who has something in common with us.
The labels we attach to ourselves comes from the things we love and do, so we naturally gravitate to others doing the same.
I find new friends at writers conferences, discussions at church, Tourette Syndrome groups, and sometimes even strangers walking down the street wearing a label in the form of a t-shirt or phone case.
It’s so much easier to connect with people and start a conversation when you already have something in common.
Human beings are social creatures. Our quality of life significantly drops if we do not have supportive and nurturing relationships. Labels help us to find and establish those healthy and much needed connections.
Allowing Differences
Another benefit of labels is that they make you different. We are conditioned our entire lives to believe that difference is to be avoided. We sometimes ostracize those who look, talk, or think differently from what is considered the norm.
Being different is actually a good thing.
Differences are what give you color on a blank canvas. Each label is a color, creating the masterpiece that is you.
You may share some colors with others, but no one is going to have the exact same picture on their canvas.
The things that make me stick out from those around me are what make me unique. While I may have several friends with Tourette Syndrome thanks to various groups I’m a part of, I don’t run into many others with it in my day to day life.
It makes me different, which makes people curious. I’m amazed at how few people have heard of Tourette Syndrome, and even those that have don’t have much (or correct) information.
People ask me questions, allowing me to feel smart explaining all the medical and statistical information, as well as allowing me to form connections with people who are different from me. They want to know how much it affects my daily life, so I have an opportunity to tell them about me, and get to learn about them in turn.
Giving Choice
There are so many labels that we can attach ourselves to. I think that is my favorite part, that we can but don’t have to.
Labels can sometimes come from outside sources, and they aren’t always accurate. We don’t have to listen to those voices.
If they are accurate, we can. If not, we don’t. We get a choice in the matter.
For me, I think this is where I started to really take control of my life. I have a choice in the labels I attach myself to. And when. Once I learned how to make these choices, I was able to move on to bigger and more actionable choices. To act on the labels that I wanted.
I’ve always been a fan of reading, and most of my life have been a big journal writer. That eventually led to my label as a writer. What do writers do? They write. They publish. At least the writers I wanted to be like publish.
I wanted to act accordingly. I had a choice to leave this as a simple label or to action that label and make it a reality.
I made the choice to label myself as a writer. I made the decision when I was ready.
Conclusion
Everything in life has a good and a bad side. My wise grandmother always taught me, “Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.”
When there is good, take hold of and use it. In necessary situations, sometimes it takes a little (or a lot) more work to find and utilize that good.
Labels are one of those things. They can do so much good, giving us identity, connections and choices.
Don’t reject them all just to stick it to “the man,” but rather find ways to use them to your advantage and see how to make it work for you rather than against you.
First define yourself- find the traits you have and then find how to build on them.
Call to Action
Don’t like your current labels? Click Here for my free guide that will help you find the best that you have.
