Labels Are the Problem
Summary
- Don't let self-imposed labels limit your potential; they're often just habits or preferences rather than fixed aspects of your character.
- Understand that labels like "neat freak" or "night owl" are shorthand descriptions, not fixed traits; they describe habits, like keeping your car clean, which can be changed if needed.
- Recognize that such labels can become excuses for not trying new things or believing you can't succeed in certain areas.
- Realize everyone has self-applied labels but challenge the idea that they determine what you can or can't do; your behaviors can adapt to what's required in a situation—wake early if needed, or stay up late when necessary.
- Focus on the actions behind the labels rather than the labels themselves; this perspective allows you to modify your behavior to suit your goals, rather than feeling constrained by a false identity.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest starting by questioning the labels you've put on yourself. Are you really a "night owl" or just used to staying up late? Try waking up early for a week. See if you can change that habit.
Remember that actions matter more than labels. If you think you're a "neat freak," focus on what that means for your actions. For example, it's good to keep your space clean, but wouldn't affect how well you do other things.
Instead of saying "I can't do this because I'm…", think about what you can change to make it work. If you feel like you're not organized, try setting a 5-minute timer every day to tidy up a small area. Small steps can lead to big changes.
Challenge your excuses. You might say, "I'm not good at this because I'm that," but that's not helping you. If there's something you want to do, figure out the first step and take it, even if it's small.
Change your perspective. If you need to stay up late or wake up early, plan for it. Prepare your coffee the night before or set two alarms. You can adapt to what's needed.
Adaptability is key. Your behaviors aren't locked in. You can change them to fit your goals. Start with the low-cost changes, like adjusting your sleep schedule or organizing a bit each day. These small shifts can lead to big gains in personal growth and business.
Quotes by Alex Hormozi
"so when someone's like well I'm the type of person who I'm like just stop just stop it's all made up"
– Alex Hormozi
"I'm a neat freak it's like okay well that's a bucketed term so like what does that really mean to you"
– Alex Hormozi
"then they start using this label to decide whether or why they can or can't do something"
– Alex Hormozi
"I wouldn't be successful with that cuz I'm a NE freak why because you take trash out of your car regularly"
– Alex Hormozi
"the labels change our Behavior more than we change the labels"
– Alex Hormozi
Full Transcript
so when someone's like well I'm the type of person who I'm like just stop just stop it's all made up I'm a neat freak it's like okay well that's a bucketed term so like what does that really mean to you it means that like you like to keep your car clean so what does that mean it means you clean your car once a week and you take the trash out from your car every time you drive it okay then they start using this label to decide whether or why they can or can't do something I wouldn't be successful with that cuz I'm a NE freak why because you take trash out of your car regularly why does that have anything to do with whether you could do this or not everyone who's listening to this has something they say about themselves they're like I'm not organized I'm a night owl why do we have these labels like if you needed to wake up early wake up early if you need to stay up late you stay up late the labels change our Behavior more than we change the labels
