Lately, I have been watching many different motivational speeches and inspirational videos that help teach things like self-discipline and mindfulness. A common theme that keeps occurring throughout them is the concept of the powers of labeling yourself. This is something we do unconsciously and without realizing the effects it holds over us.

As individuals, our greatest desire is to be consistent with who we believe we are. No matter how far we may stray from these ideas, we always make our way back to the label we have created or allowed to be created for us. This can be any of the excuses that we hold ourselves to, ranging from "I'm fat," "I never have time," "I can't trust anybody," and simply "I can't do that".

All of these are ideas or boxes we place ourselves in, and each time we do so we set the standards that we will hold ourselves to until the day we realize we have greater potential than any of these.

As individuals, the only thing that is ever changing and growing is our knowledge we have plenty of space in our lives to grow and reshape our beliefs. The second we lower ourselves to fit into the standard, we eliminate any of these opportunities for personal growth, as you will always be inclined to fall back into these excuses. This is important to understand because without awareness it is hard to see how much we rely on these ideas throughout our daily lives.

Take a second and think about the things you have defined yourself as. When did you place that idea upon yourself? Did you believe it yourself or did you allow someone or some experience to influence this decision?

Regardless of the answers, throw them away. It is so important to realize that you hold all the power within your mind and have every ability to break these predispositions.

You can be whatever or whoever you want to be but you cannot stay in the place that you are in now while trying to move to the place you want to be.