✨ Global Labels: Judging Yourself and Others ✨

 

We often fall into the trap of using global labels: "I’m a failure," "Things never go well for me," "She’s selfish," "He’ll never change." Global labels are sweeping, absolute judgments we assign to people, ourselves, or situations based on limited experiences. This type of thinking can be harmful as it distorts reality, oversimplifies circumstances, and can keep us trapped in negative patterns.

What Are Global Labels? 🤔

Global labels are a form of black-and-white thinking, where we view people or situations in absolute terms, without considering the complexities or nuances. Instead of recognizing a mistake or a challenge as an isolated event, we label the person or the situation as a whole, as if that moment or behavior defines the entire person.

For example, if we make a mistake, we might think "I’m a failure," instead of recognizing that we made a mistake but that it doesn’t define our identity or abilities. Similarly, if we see someone act selfishly in a given moment, we might fall into the trap of thinking "That person is selfish," without considering that their action doesn’t reflect their entire being or story.

Common Cases of Global Labels 🚫

1. Judging Yourself 💔:
   If we fail at something, it’s common to fall into the thought, "I’m a failure" or "I’ll never be able to do anything right." This kind of global labeling prevents us from seeing our strengths and achievements and keeps us stuck in a negative and limiting view of ourselves.

2. Judging Others 💬:
   Often, when someone makes a mistake or shows a negative attitude, we label that person with phrases like "He’s useless," "She’s arrogant," or "He’ll never change." These labels not only are unfair but also prevent us from seeing the person in their entirety, with their virtues, weaknesses, and potential for change.

3. Judging Situations ⚡:
   When things don’t go as we expected, we might fall into the global label of "Everything is going wrong" or "Nothing is working." This all-or-nothing thinking prevents us from seeing the positive aspects of the situation or the lessons we can learn from challenges.

4. In Health and Well-being 🏥:
   If we don’t meet health goals, we might label ourselves with phrases like "I’m weak" or "I’ll never be healthy." Instead of recognizing we’re in a process of improvement, these labels make us feel trapped in a cycle of failure.

Why Are Global Labels Harmful? 🚨

Global labels are harmful because they prevent us from seeing reality clearly. 😣 They limit us to a simplified and negative view of ourselves, others, or situations. When we label ourselves or others, we reduce a person or situation to a single characteristic, without taking everything they are into account.

Furthermore, global labels:

• Foster low self-esteem: When we label ourselves negatively, like "I’m a failure," we reduce our identity to a single action or situation, which can affect our confidence and motivation.
• Promote superficial judgment: Labeling others prevents us from seeing them beyond their mistakes or flaws and keeps us from recognizing their capacity for growth and change.
• Limit learning and growth: By thinking in absolute terms, we close ourselves off to the possibility of learning from our experiences and improving. Global labels make us get stuck in a limited, closed view.
• Increase frustration and stress: Thinking everything is "all or nothing" increases anxiety and stress, as we feel trapped by impossible expectations.

How to Avoid Global Labels 💡

1. Practice flexible thinking 🧠:
   Instead of thinking "I’m a failure," change your perspective to "I made a mistake, but that doesn’t define who I am." Recognizing that we are complex and that our mistakes don’t define us helps maintain a balanced and realistic view of ourselves.

2. Ask questions instead of making judgments ❓:
   When you feel like you’re labeling someone, ask yourself: Why did they act this way? What might be going on in their life that is influencing their behavior? This approach allows us to see others as whole human beings, with their own contexts and realities.

3. Be aware of your thoughts ⚡:
   Pay attention to moments when you catch yourself using global labels. Every time you think in absolutes, stop and reflect: "Is everything really wrong? Is this person completely selfish, or are they just acting this way in this particular situation?"

4. Focus on what you can change 💪:
   If you find yourself labeling yourself or others, think about what you can do to improve the situation. Instead of seeing something as a definitive truth, recognize it as an area of opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve.

5. Use positive, constructive language 💬:
   Instead of using global labels, focus on the situation or behavior. For example, instead of thinking "I’m a failure," say "Today I made a mistake, but I can learn from it." This approach helps you move forward without getting stuck in negative thoughts.

Final Considerations 🌟

Global labels limit our view of ourselves, others, and situations. They prevent us from seeing the complexity and potential for change that we all possess. By learning to avoid these absolute judgments and adopting a more flexible and compassionate perspective, we can improve our self-esteem, relationships, and ability to grow and learn from life.

With love,
Dr. Arturo José Sánchez Hernández
Your friend in promoting health 💙
Discover more of my works at: https://books2read.com/asanchez