The Limitations Of Labels

The old axiom "you label it, you limit it" may be limiting your life. Find out more in this mini podcast from John Morgan.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

The Limitations Of Labels

It’s tough leading your whole life by a dictionary definition – a role, a mindset, a label. Yet that’s precisely what we do, until we don’t.

Are you a mother? Father? Perhaps you’re a cabinet maker or strong willed.

Did you ever notice that when you define yourself, your options of being something else disappear?

The old axiom is accurate: “When you label it, you limit it.”

You take so many options off the table when you label yourself. The definition locks you in to a mental fairy tale. Yes, you may be the mother to a child, but you needn’t be locked into the label that “Mother” connotes in your head. If you do that, you won’t be able to do or be what a mother “shouldn’t” be or do.

My favorite response to the question “What do you do?” and the answer is “I’m a house wife.” I usually ask the person if they are married to a house. This usually is enough of an interruption to show them their labeling system and its limitations.

If you examine your labels of yourself, you'll find your limitations. The label, itself, self-imposes them.

Get curious. What label is mischaracterizing you?

Here’s a suggestion: Drop that label from your life and just see what happens.

Look through your list of labels and “downsize” one of them. Give it a pink slip. Notice the freedom that goes along with not having to be that label anymore. You may still do all the functions associated with that nomenclature, but you won’t be it anymore. By letting go of the label, you open yourself up to options. These options remain invisible as long as we have a label covering them over.

People may not appreciate you until you appreciate yourself. Part of that appreciation is recognizing there's more to you than any definition can ever communicate.

Losing your label is a step towards self discovery. When you have less "bumper stickers," you're free to drive away from the limitations they imply.

A label is a limitation on your options.

Open the door to more options today by removing the label “Do not enter.”

All the best,

John