Have you ever label on someone based on your perception?
Has anyone ever labeled you for no reason other than his or her own view?
If so, was it accurate or a false representation of who you really are?
Think about the labels you have put on people at one time or another and the labels other may have put on you. If you take a second to re-evaluate those instances, how accurate were they?
This quote by Steve Maraboli sheds light on how quickly we limit our experience with someone or even a group of people because of the labels we place on them based on our perception, beliefs, and outside influences. It also limits people from appreciating you as well.
We can learn so much from each other but how often do we allows ourselves to do that?
We immediately categorize someone as being a certain way before we even have a chance to get to know them. We use surface level judgements to come to a conclusion within our own minds of who that person is without any idea of knowing who they really are.
Based on our conclusion, we then determine what our experience will be like from that moment forward. I feel we severely limit ourselves from having deeper connections with people, as well as personal and societal growth because of this.
Think of how often you label someone based on stupid criteria made up in your own head or taught to you by an external source. Be honest with yourself. It is ok to admit it. I have done it too. I still catch myself doing it.
Now you may say, “Anthony, there are times where my initial label is accurate and it has helped me avoid a bad situation.”
Yes, I totally understand that and I agree with you. If your intuition is screaming danger or telling you something is not right then I am certainly not saying to ignore it.
What I am focusing on here is the other instances there may have been where there was no threat but your mental labeling system gave you limited view.
Also, think about a situation where someone labeled you and that view was a complete misinterpretation of who you were as a person. How did it make you feel?
When we label, we limit.
Moving forward, what do we do? That is a great question. From the moment we are born, there are so many labels already pre-determined for us by society and our parents. It becomes part of how we see and interact with the world.
However, make a choice to be consciously aware of your labels. Recognize when they start to limit your interactions with people. Also, question if those labels are even valid in the context you are using them.
Think of the connections you can make when you are able to drop the labels. Leave labeling for things like filing and clothing, not people.
Now it’s your turn.
How does this quote inspire you?
Tell me about an experience where you labeled someone for no other reason than your own made-up rules. Was it valid? How often do you do it today and how does it affect your relationships with people?
Contact me or share your thoughts below in the Comments section.
Let’s get the discussion going.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together we can become stronger individuals.
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