Hate Labels? Here's Why They Can Help You Boost Your Self-Esteem

The Truth About Labels: Are They Helping or Hurting You?

At some point in your life, I bet you've been labeled.

 Some we choose for ourselves—artist, entrepreneur, parent, free spirit—while others are handed to us, sometimes without our consent. And that’s where things can get tricky.

If you’ve ever rebelled at a label someone applied to you, then you’re not alone. Identity is personal, and when someone tries to fit us into a box that doesn’t feel right, it can be frustrating, even painful.

But here’s the thing—whether you like labels or not, your brain absolutely does.

Why Your Brain Loves Labels

There's a certain part of your brain that's survival-driven and craves order and routine. I call it the survival brain.

Its main job is to keep you safe. Unfortunately, that doesn't always equate to happiness. Since that part of your brain loves order and predictability, labels are a shortcut to security.

When you say, “I am a leader” or “I am an introvert,” your brain isn’t just making a statement—it’s setting expectations, filtering experiences, and shaping how you show up in the world.

But what happens when a label isn’t helpful?

When Labels Become a Trap

Imagine someone who believes, “I’m socially awkward. I’m terrible at conversation.”

That’s not just a passing thought—it’s a story their brain reinforces. They hesitate to speak up, avoid social situations, and eventually, their belief becomes reality.

Your brain never wants to make you a liar. So, it's always looking for evidence to back up your story or belief: See? You didn’t say anything at that party. You really ARE awkward.

And just like that, a label becomes a limitation.

Rewriting the Narrative

The good news? These identity stories aren’t set in stone. They’re just thoughts you’ve repeated long enough for your brain to accept them as fact.

If they’re not serving you, they can be rewritten.

That’s exactly what I help my clients do—trace these limiting labels back to their roots, understand why their brain latched onto them in the first place, and rework them into something that actually supports the life they want to create.

So, if you’re tired of labels that don’t fit, let’s talk.

I offer free 20-minute phone consultations where we’ll dig into the identity stories shaping your actions and explore how to shift them.

You can book your appointment HERE. 

At the end of the day, you should be the one defining who you are—not your fears, not old stories, and definitely not someone else.

Dr. April Darley is a Lifestyle and Leadership Advisor who specializes in helping innovative thinkers achieve their goals without sacrificing their health, wealth, and freedom. Through a combination of techniques, you'll learn how to balance leadership and life while developing a growth mindset.