Siddharth Saoji 
We accumulate labels throughout our lives, not just in our careers, but in social circles, families, and even within ourselves. “Expert in X”, “Has Good taste in Y” , “Creative Z” These labels, often bestowed with good intentions, can subtly shape our reality. They build a perception, a mental image that others project onto us.
The danger lies in our tendency to internalize these projections. We begin to act in ways that reinforce the label, making decisions that align with the perceived image. This can create a comfortable, albeit restrictive, loop. We receive validation for fulfilling the expectation, and thus, we perpetuate it.
This process, while seemingly beneficial, can severely limit our potential. It discourages risk-taking, as we become preoccupied with maintaining the established perception. We prioritize stability over growth, fearing that any deviation from the norm will shatter the carefully constructed image.
The core realization is this: these labels are not our inherent identity. They are external constructs, reflections of how others perceive us, not intrinsic truths about who we are. They are a form of social “overfitting,” where our past becomes too closely aligned with external expectations, neglecting our true selves.
To break free, we must cultivate a strong sense of self-awareness, understand that our identity is fluid and multifaceted, not a fixed point defined by external validation. Remember that growth lies not in conforming to expectations, but in venturing beyond them.