MINDSET - A Troubling Self-Perception
Issues arise when we attach ourselves to labels that induce guilt, shame, and pain.
Choose three words to describe yourself.
You might say things such as "Kind," "Authentic," "Boring," "Evil," "Empathetic," or any adjective that places you somewhere on a spectrum between being a terrible human being and a saint.
But is it really true?
Is it really true that you are a "Kind" person, yet has an evil side to you?
Is it really true that you are a "Dark" person, yet show care for others?
You have your own opinions about yourself, but so will your family, friends, colleagues, and even the acquaintances you see occasionally. They will all have their own perceptions of who you are.
But let's get to what is more important: When our self-perception starts negatively affecting our way of life.
The labels you choose to identify with are your decision. They are part of your story of who you are in the life you are living.
But the labels you attach to yourself can be dangerous when they start to induce feelings of guilt, shame, doubt, or other forms of pain.
That's when labels, whether self-proclaimed or assigned by others, can develop into deeper personal issues.
That's when you need to reflect on your self-perception and assess its truth. Or else, the labels you attach to yourself can tear you down and harm your mental and emotional well-being.
The reality is that our self-perception constantly changes throughout our lives, from childhood to adulthood and into our later years. This change is triggered by our life experiences, influencing our growing sense of who we are.
How others perceive us will constantly change, too. Each person views us through their own thoughts, feelings, and emotions, creating a unique perception of who we are.
And because of the changing nature of perception, you have the power to change your self-perception whenever it causes you any concern. Look for signs, such as uncomfortable feelings or emotions, indicating that change might be needed.
In Part 2, we will discuss a mental technique to help you readjust your self-perception and shift your brain’s way of thinking about yourself.