Redefining self: experiment with labels

By Carolina Herrera

Today, let's have some fun experimenting with life after letting go of some labels we've given ourselves or adopted at some point. We often label ourselves without realising it, and these labels can be positive or negative. But what does a label do, regardless of its quality or description? It always has an effect on us and leads us to act in a certain way.

Try this exercise: for one day, monitor what you say about yourself. Think about the words you use after "I am." At the end of the day, write them down or record them on your phone. You'll realise that these words really affect how you feel about your day, yourself, and your reality. 

If you're worried about forgetting this during the day, sit down now and write ten things that come to mind when you write "I am." Look at those things and think if they reflect who you are and how you feel about yourself. You will find that the words you use to define yourself have the power to change your reality! But what's great is that you can change them! You don't have to stick with those labels; you can choose new ones.

First, acknowledge the reality you're creating for yourself by adopting those labels. Then, try changing just one label for one day and see how life feels. For example, I used to always say I was clumsy, but after learning more about the power of words, I decided never to describe myself as clumsy again. Since then, I seem to trip over a lot less than before. It's incredible!

So give it a go: monitor the words you're using to describe yourself and write them down. Think about the reality you're creating with these words. Then, just for one day, change one label and see what life feels like when you do that. Hopefully, this will show you how powerful and easy it can be to change your days, your life, and your experiences simply by changing a label.