Labels = Self-fulfilling Prophesies
Words can be sources of self-fulfilling prophecies about the kind of people we become. By that I mean, that if we label ourselves, either negatively or positively, that label can be the power that will drive us to develop into what we accept as factual. We tend to believe the labels that others deposit upon us as well as those we put upon ourselves.
If we picture ourselves as nerds or party animals, leaders or followers, inept or competent, ignorant or erudite, incorrigible or redeemable, infallible or flawed, our attitudes toward life will be based on those concepts. We begin to think that is who we are. Our lifestyle begins to develop around those perceptions. We become what we think.
We all have a kind of CD that keeps on playing certain tunes in our minds. When we make mistakes, are criticized, or fall short of our goals, we may start a negative song that has refrain like this: “I am stupid, nobody loves me, the whole world is organized against me, I will never amount to anything, etc.!”
If we carefully guard our minds from believing these negative jingles about ourselves, we will approach the world, its people and every situation with a positive attitude.
Attitudes make all the difference in the world. Our attitudes are based on our thought patterns. Negative thoughts will produce negative attitudes. Positive thinking can lift us up and over even the most formidable obstacles. If we happen to be a little “nerdy” we can maintain balance in our lives by choosing to be more outgoing. We can still love to have our noses stuck in a book for hours at a time, but we can opt to get off the easy chair and go for a run, help a neighbor, or call a friend to be a companion to see a movie, etc. If we are a little “lardy” we can make wise choices about exercise, the food we eat and at what speed we eat it.
If you’ve ever been locked out of your house, you know how important keys are. The key for keeping a good attitude or vision for our lives is goal setting. This key will open doors that will affect us in many ways:
When we are not clear on our direction, enthusiasm wanes. Goals will renew our excitement as we see ourselves accomplishing our dreams. Direction replaces drifting. We lose sight of where we’re headed. Complacency replaces passion and we start thinking, “This is who I am.” Goals help us focus on who we are becoming. Without goals, we start living a humdrum way of life. Working with focus counters mediocrity.
Believe the best of yourself and if you are a believer, take to heart what the Word tells us in PHIL 4:13 “I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me.”