Labels or Just Labels

 I label myself an introvert because I remember being shy and afraid to speak in a group. I kept quiet and waited for others to lead the discussion, but I had a promising career in Sales and Marketing. Typically, we look for people in this area who are extroverts and like to be with people, talk to them, and build relationships by quickly opening up. But I also realised that I have not hesitated to speak and pitch for the company whenever needed, even to meet unknown people. Meeting strange people making cold calls and facing rejections have not affected me. My ability to keep quiet and let the other person speak first he is helping me to understand the real need and then decide how I want to respond. So introversion is overcome when needed, and a goal to achieve is combined with the desire to be successful.

Similarly, I do not hesitate to contact people on LinkedIn even though I do not know them personally and contact them to build my network. So this label of introversion works selectively, and the extrovert in me comes out when necessary. So I do not think I should label myself as defined by psychologists as an introvert or an extrovert.

Further, I believed I could play sports and do strength training in Gym, but my body is physically rigid. I could not do even simple Yogasanas but persisted in trying for the past few weeks. Now I find results after continuous effort and regular practice. I can do more things than I could do a few weeks back. I not only do it on my own without any guru but ensure that I monitor my activity by using apps like "Coach.me" or "iHabit". Regular effort through a person to remind or a self-monitoring tool like mobile apps can help you keep on track. Your practice can trash the label you carry around and overcome "I am not capable of (label)". So a desire to achieve a goal and continuous practice can bring about changes.

Remember that Labels are Just Labels and it is in your hands to change them.