Labels are everywhere. We use them to define ourselves, understand others, and navigate the complexity of the world. From being called “confident” or “intelligent” to “lazy” or “stubborn,” labels seem like convenient shortcuts to categorize behaviours and personalities. But what if these seemingly harmless words are doing more harm than good?
The Problem with Bad Labels
Negative labels often act as invisible barriers to growth. When someone is called “low on confidence” or “rude,” the label not only reflects how others perceive them but also how they begin to perceive themselves.
Instead of focusing on improvement, people often become defensive, retreating into a shell to protect their sense of self-worth. These labels, consciously or unconsciously, can anchor a person to their perceived shortcomings rather than encourage them to evolve.
A Real-Life Example: The “Underdog” Label
Take the story of a young entrepreneur named Riya, who was often labeled as an “underdog” in her industry. Initially, the label motivated her—it gave her a reason to work harder and prove herself.
However, over time, the label became a burden. Every success was framed as an exception, reinforcing the narrative that she didn’t truly belong. Instead of celebrating her achievements, Riya felt the constant need to outperform expectations just to shed the “underdog” label. The pressure stifled her creativity and kept her from exploring new opportunities, for fear of failure and falling back into the stereotype.
Negative labels are self-fulfilling traps. They not only limit how others see you but also how you see yourself, pulling you away from the potential for growth and transformation.
The Hidden Limitation of Good Labels
While the damage caused by bad labels is evident, even positive labels can limit growth in subtler ways. Being called “brilliant,” “dependable,” or “talented” might feel good at the moment, but these labels come with their own burdens. They create an invisible expectation to continuously prove the label true, which can lead to burnout and a fear of failure.
Labels often provoke instant reactions. Negative labels can make people defensive, while positive labels like “problem solver” or “hard worker” might bring temporary validation. However, over time, even good labels can become burdensome, as individuals feel pressured to live up to them. What starts as a boost to confidence can turn into a limitation, narrowing their potential.
Good labels confine us to boundaries. A “hard worker,” for instance, might feel obligated to maintain that image, even at the cost of their well-being. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that we are boundless and capable of infinite growth. Labels, however, anchor us to the past and restrict what we could become. Without labels, a hard worker could evolve into a “super worker,” free to explore their full potential.
The Case of “The Golden Child”
Consider Aditya, a high-achieving student who was always labelled as the “golden child” in his family. His success in academics, leadership, and extracurriculars earned him admiration and praise.
However, the pressure to live up to this label became overwhelming. Aditya began avoiding areas where he might fail—new hobbies, creative risks, or even relationships—because any stumble could tarnish his “golden child” reputation.
The label, meant to celebrate him, had trapped him in a narrow definition of success, limiting his ability to explore his true interests and potential.
Positive labels often become heavyweights we carry, narrowing our sense of identity and leaving little room for growth or exploration.
Why Labels Limit Us
Both good and bad labels share one dangerous characteristic: they reduce complex, ever-evolving individuals to static definitions. These definitions create rigid expectations, blocking self-awareness and openness to change.
Instead of exploring what we could become, we stay confined to the roles assigned to us by others—or by ourselves.
Labels also fuel cognitive biases. When we label someone “lazy,” we begin interpreting their every action through that lens, ignoring evidence that contradicts it. Similarly, if we label someone “brilliant,” we may overlook their struggles or dismiss the feedback they need to hear.
Breaking Free from Labels
If labels hold us back, how do we break free from their grip? Here are some strategies:
From Labels to Liberation
Great leaders and thinkers have recognized the power of moving beyond labels. Steve Jobs, for instance, often described his journey as one of continuous reinvention. He didn’t confine himself to the label of “tech genius”; instead, he embraced his curiosity and fearlessness, venturing into fields like design, animation, and music.
Similarly, Oprah Winfrey has spoken about shedding the labels of “talk show host” and “celebrity,” choosing instead to explore her identity as a storyteller and change-maker. Her evolution demonstrates the freedom that comes from rejecting fixed definitions.
How to Compliment Without Labels
Should we stop complimenting? Not at all. The key is to praise actions, not traits. Instead of saying, “You’re great at this,” say, “You handled this situation really well.” This subtle shift encourages growth without imposing rigid expectations, creating an environment where people feel free to evolve and explore new possibilities.
Conclusion
Labels might seem like harmless words, but their impact runs deep. Whether positive or negative, they constrain our ability to grow, learn, and explore our full potential. Breaking free from labels requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and the courage to redefine ourselves—and others—beyond simplistic definitions.
As leaders and individuals, let’s replace labels with understanding, empathy, and a commitment to continuous growth. Because the truth is, we are far more than any label could ever capture.