Labels and Their Limiting Effects

Labels and their Limiting Effects

What’s in a name?

Labels can be heavy and limiting. I think they are dispersed in an effort of giving the labeler a feeling of comfort and understanding (although not usually adequate.) I’m not good with that; I’m always tripping over calling myself “disabled” or “diseased” or “impaired” or ‘challenged” or even “differently abled.” I am not sick, and I am not struggling, I am often frustrated and annoyed and exhausted, but determined. So, I’ve decided to rename “it.” A re-branding, of sorts. Its new name is Pain in the A$$, or PITA for short. So, I’m going to take this Pita and make it a less-than part of my life, rather than succumbing to the overwhelming labels, which give me a sense of defeat. They seem to send the signal to myself and others that it’s time to just give-in, give-up, accept one’s fate. Nothing can be done. It’s time to adjust to a life of limitations and dependence. (Ummm, just no.)

I don’t believe that, so I’m giving “it” a less intimidating name.

It’s a mind-game, maybe. Or semantics. Or maybe another way for me to feel like I have some control and can get a handle on this Pita. I have no intention of just sitting back and accepting defeat, so maybe a seemingly minor change can influence the mindset of possibilities.

So, for me, the question becomes “How do I deal with a Pita?” instead of “How do I adjust to this disabling, life-limiting condition?” Instead of just laying down and giving up, I can kick some a$$ and feel like I have a chance to exist on my own terms. I don’t have to live to the labels thrown upon me. I have a choice.

(For more information on my personal PITA and how it affects me, I wrote about it HERE.)

Reading the following book gave me insight into how I could better incorporate the possibilities into my life. (click on the following link to purchase your own copy)

https://amzn.to/4eV23Ad (This is an affiliate link to the book "Mindset" – I earn a commission if you buy the book through this link.)

The book “Mindset” written by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., describes the impacts of mindset on our abilities to learn and function to our greatest potential. A compilation of personal experience, scientific research and self-awareness is provided here in an easy to read and understand format that is both informational and entertaining. It is also very relevant and eye-opening, as the reader (myself included) follows along, recognizing behaviors in themselves and others.

Our mindset can be different regarding different areas of our lives, such as how “good” we are at math, how we react to politics, or how we develop in athletics.

This book describes how we may be experiencing our own situations on a sliding scale between a “fixed mindset” and a “growth mindset” and the steps we may engage in to recognize and/or change from one to the other. Understanding the impacts of how mindset may be working in other people, can also help us understand others and communicate better, strengthening our relationships with co-workers, children, our partners and even ourselves.

“Mindset” is non-judgmental. It’s a book that provides us with some in-depth information, which helps us understand and better navigate our life experiences. It provides thought-provoking insight into the development of our own behavior patterns and the responses typical of human nature.

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Do you think mindset plays a role in your abilities? How about labels?

(I’d love to hear your answers in the “comments” below)