Ditching the labels
The labels we adopt act as barriers and separate us in different buckets, keeping us from better understanding who we are. Let's not tie our identities to the labels of society; let's ditch the labels
I received a great comment in response to last week's post, which inspired me to write this one.
We typically use labels to identify with and communicate who we are to others.
I am a software engineer
I am a leader
I am an introvert
I am a runner
Labels are problematic. One place where they can create a lot of issues is with gender neutrality. While we have the binary men and women labels, we're starting to notice that some people don't identify with these. Who they are on the inside isn't represented by any of these two labels.
The labels we adopt act as barriers and separate us in different buckets, and keep us from better understanding who we are.
What if, instead, we described ourselves by what we love and enjoy, what we're passionate about and what excites us in life?
I enjoy solving the world's problems using code. (instead of software engineer)
I love helping others grow and become the best version of themselves. (instead of leader)
I need my downtime alone to reset fully. (instead of introvert)
I love the freedom of the outside while connecting with nature. (instead of runner)
Doesn't this way truly get to who a person is as oppose to what label they have? It's expressive, it's real, and it's true.
Sharing we are a Software Engineer doesn't say anything about whether we are living our calling and are passionate about what we do or just working the career we studied in.
By skipping the labels, we get away from their limits; we can get to know each other more deeply, and we can appreciate the complexities of who we are.
Let us not tie our identities to the labels of society; let's ditch the labels.
What if the next time you connect with someone, instead of asking what they do, you ask, "what is the most exciting life project you are working on right now?"
What other questions would you ask that would enable us to get to know each other more truly? Please share your favourite one by leaving a comment.
Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.
Great spark! Yes, those damn labels! Most of us tend to try and discover their true self, purpose externally ...when often all that is required is to peel these layers (labels). It has always been right there. As for a question, maybe a little beyond a first encounter, but asking what they were passionate about as a child. I would be curious to see the similarities with what gives them joy and satisfaction today. Have a good one!