In a world where opinions are as abundant as the air we breathe, it's easy to find ourselves weighed down by what others think about us. But often, the heaviest burdens aren’t the words of others—they are the beliefs we adopt about ourselves. The most persistent and insidious voices aren’t external; they live in our minds, shaped by experiences, fears, and the labels we’ve unknowingly accepted.
These labels dictate how we see ourselves and what we believe we are capable of achieving. What if we chose not to associate ourselves with every negative thought? What if we decide to become the opposite of those limiting beliefs instead? In this post, we’ll explore how our perceptions can shape our lives, identify limiting labels, and how we can begin to redefine our own narratives.
Knowing What Matters - Perceptions and Opinions
When I decided on my career path, I was also in the middle of a major transition. It was a trying period—everything was happening at once, and my big-girl cup was full.
I heard a voice that started as a whisper in my head grow thunderous as it was fueled by the opinions of those who didn't share my vision. I began to believe them and allowed doubt to alter my perception. I held reservations, as if in wait for the next big bad thing to pounce on me from around the corner.
The way I now see it, perceptions are powerful, opinions vary, and though they may often intertwine, they are not the same—and they definitely aren't unchangeable facts. Let's break them down:
Perception is how we interpret the world based on our experiences, emotions, and biases—it feels like reality, even when it may not be.
Opinion, on the other hand, is a personal belief or judgment that may or may not be based on fact.
For example, someone may perceive themselves as incapable because of past failures, but that perception isn’t necessarily true—it’s shaped by self-doubt rather than fact. Meanwhile, an opinion would be someone saying, “I don’t think you’ll succeed,” which is just their personal viewpoint, not an absolute truth.
Understanding the difference is crucial because while opinions can be ignored, perceptions—especially the ones we hold about ourselves—can shape our decisions, confidence, and potential.
Identifying Limiting Labels
In a nutshell, labels shape our perceptions of others, how they see us and most importantly, how we see ourselves. While some labels may work to our advantage, they can appear in several ways and generally fall into the following categories:
1. Self-Imposed Labels
These are beliefs we place on ourselves, often rooted in past experiences or societal expectations.
Example: "I’m not good enough," "I’m not a leader," "I can’t handle pressure."
2. Social Labels
These are identities assigned by society based on factors like race, gender, occupation, or economic status.
Example: "She has pretty privilage," "He’s a nerd," "They’re not successful."
3. Cultural Labels
Labels based on traditions, ethnicity, or nationality that can shape our sense of belonging or limit personal identity.
Example: "You must act a certain way because of your culture," "Men shouldn’t show emotion," "Women should be nurturing."
4. Professional Labels
These labels define us by our careers or skill sets, sometimes limiting us to one identity.
Example: "She’s just an artist," "He’s not management material," "You can start a business."
5. Situational Labels
Labels based on temporary life circumstances, which can sometimes feel permanent.
Example: "I’m a failure because my business didn’t succeed," "I’m a divorcee," "I’m unemployed, so I’m unworthy."
6. Medical or Psychological Labels
Labels based on diagnoses or mental health conditions that can either empower or limit individuals.
Example: "I have anxiety, so I can’t be successful," "I’m neurodivergent, so I won’t fit in."
7. Relational Labels
These define us in relation to others, such as family roles or societal expectations in relationships.
Example: "The responsible sibling," "The black sheep," "The people-pleaser."
It can sometimes feel like these labels are etched into our very being and become part of our identity—much like the situation I had found myself in. We absorb the idea that we must be whatever others believe we are or that the labels we place on ourselves cannot be altered. And in doing so, they often do more harm than good.
Navigating Labels
The thing is, these labels are not your destiny. You are not obligated to accept every opinion, nor must you embrace every perception placed upon you. We have the power to redefine ourselves as many times as we see fit.
We have a unique ability to carve out the life we want for ourselves. We have the right to do what pleases us—to change our minds, our environments, or even our appearance. Why not make the best of that freedom??
The key is to challenge limiting perceptions and separate them from reality. I became desperate to quiet the echoes in my head. so I decided to observe all the beliefs I held. By questioning the labels and asking myself if they truly reflected my essence, I was able to acknowledge the negatives I thought to be true and establish that they weren't. I had a renewed perspective.
Le plus souvent, les étiquettes sont le reflet des insécurités ou des malentendus des autres. Ainsi, lorsqu’il s’agit de la façon dont vous vous percevez, dont vous naviguez dans la vie ou dont vous vous sentez, la seule opinion qui devrait compter est la vôtre.
Final Thoughts
We do not have to associate ourselves with every negative thing people think of us, and not every thought that comes to our own mind is truth. By examining those limiting beliefs and choosing to be the opposite, we can transform our lives and elevate into our highest potential.
If holistic lifestyle content—from parenting to spirituality—resonates with you, subscribe to the website and be part of this journey. In the next post, I’ll share actionable tips to shatter limiting perceptions and step into your untapped potential.
This journey requires courage, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth. By embracing this path, we discover a profound truth: we are not defined by these limiting labels, whether the ones placed on us by others or those self-imposed; instead, we are defined by executing the limitless potential within us. We are more than a label.
As an author and curious seeker, I’m passionate about holistic living and the ever-evolving journey of self-discovery. Through my writing, I share lessons, experiences, and reflections on growth and transformation—inviting others to explore along the way.
Here’s to striking the balance, unearthing truth and embracing the authentic self.
Let's Evolve Together.
Jebu Vivet
Founder of E.I.R.E.