Beyond the Label: 7 Steps to Rewriting Your Identity & Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
What’s in a Label? A 7-Step Exercise to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs
We all carry labels. Some we choose, some are given to us, and some we unconsciously absorb over time. Labels can feel like a badge of honor (I’m the Reliable One) or a heavy burden (I’m Not Good Enough). But have you ever stopped to question whether these labels are actually true? Or if they’re holding you back from making real change?
This simple 7-step limiting beliefs exercise is designed to help you identify your labels, understand where they come from, and decide which ones to keep—and which ones to ditch. And, as always, the Body/Belief/Emotion Code brings in energy work to go deeper. If these labels have been weighing you down for years, the Body/Belief/Emotion Code can help clear out the subconscious blocks keeping you stuck.
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Identify Your Labels
Start by writing down at least 10 labels that apply to you. Don’t overthink—just jot down what comes to mind. If 10 feels overwhelming, aim for at least 4-5 strong ones. Labels can be:
Personality-based (I’m a Perfectionist, I’m the Quiet One, I’m a Rebel)
Social roles (I’m the Office Mom, I’m the Life of the Party)
Appearance-related (I’m a Redhead, I’m Curvy, I’m Too Short)
Self-beliefs (I’m Not Good at Math, I’m Always Late)
Things you feel you’ve outgrown (I’m a Daydreamer, I’m a Scaredy-Cat)
Once you’ve got your list, let’s take a closer look at them.
Step 2: Is This Label Positive or Negative?
For each label, ask yourself: Do I see this as a positive or negative trait?
Some labels might feel empowering (I’m the Go-Getter), while others may feel limiting (I’m Not Creative). And some may seem positive but come with hidden downsides (I’m Always the Strong One—which can lead to never asking for help). Identifying your emotional reaction to each label is key.
Step 3: Where Did This Label Come From?
Labels don’t come out of nowhere. Most were handed to us—by society (media, books, movies) or people (parents, teachers, peers).
For each label, ask: Who gave me this label? Try to be as specific as possible. Did a parent call you "the messy one" as a kid? Did a teacher tell you you’d never be good at math? Did you absorb the idea from TV that certain body types are more attractive?
When you can trace the origin, you can start to question whether the label was ever yours to begin with.
Step 4: Do You Agree with This Label?
Now, be brutally honest with yourself: Do you actually believe this label is true?
Just because you’ve carried it for years doesn’t mean it belongs to you. Maybe you’ve been calling yourself "shy" forever, but deep down, you enjoy speaking up when you feel safe. Maybe you’ve been labeled "scatterbrained," but in reality, you just thrive in creative environments.
Recognizing which labels feel true versus which feel forced upon you is a huge step in breaking free.
Step 5: How Does This Label Help or Hinder You?
Every label has a cost and a benefit—even the negative ones.
For each label, ask:
How does this label help me? Does it protect you from something? Does it give you a sense of identity?
How does it hinder or limit me? Does it keep you stuck? Does it hold you back from making changes?
For example, if you’ve always called yourself “the nice one,” maybe that has helped you build strong relationships. But does it also stop you from setting boundaries?
Step 6: Which Labels Do You Want to Keep? Which Do You Want to Let Go?
Now comes the empowering part: You get to choose.
Which labels truly serve you and align with the person you want to be? Which ones feel outdated, limiting, or just plain wrong?
Write down the labels you’re keeping and the ones you’re releasing.
(And if you feel resistance? That’s where Body/Belief/Emotion Code work comes in! These labels may be tied to trapped emotions that need releasing. We can work together to clear those subconscious blocks.)
Step 7: Make a Plan to Shift or Release a Label
For the labels you want to release, it’s time for action. Ask yourself:
When does this label come up most?
Who am I with when I act this way?
What could I do differently in those moments?
For example, if you’re used to being “the quiet one” in meetings but want to shift that, set a small goal: Share one idea per meeting, even if it’s just a short comment.
This step is all about rewiring your identity in small, doable ways.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
This isn’t just a fun exercise—it’s a wake-up call to how deeply labels shape us. And once you see how your own labels have impacted you, you’ll naturally develop more empathy for others. When we let go of rigid expectations of ourselves, we also stop boxing in the people around us.
As Martina Navratilova wisely said: “Labels are for filing. Labels are for clothing. Labels are not for people.”
So, what labels are you ready to release? Let me know in the comments, or reach out if you’re curious about using Body/Belief/Emotion Code to clear those deeper blocks. Your identity is yours to shape—make it one that truly reflects who you are. 💛