Beyond the Labels: Moving Towards Self-Transcendence

Well, I did it. I gave my TEDx Southlake talk, Bridging the Gap: From Labels to Lives on October 27th. I spoke about how our systems are failing us, how we box people into limiting labels and fail to see the role we play in all of it. Offering my solution on a TEDx stage was a big stretch for me... embracing the power of interconnectedness and building new models that integrate modern science and ancient wisdom. Wow! And yes, I have a system for building these new models. It will launch in 2025!  My talk is still being reviewed, so I will let you know once it is up on the TED platform! 

Although my talk had a criminal justice slant, I wanted to demonstrate that, far beyond the walls of justice institutions, this issue resonates across all systems and all people. When we look at our justice system, these labels trap them in the lowest levels of Maslow’s hierarchy, where safety and basic survival overshadow the journey toward belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. But the labeling trap exists in workplaces, schools, communities, and yes, especially within us. It severs the interconnectedness of our humanity, holding people back from realizing their full potential. When we over identify with a label, we limit ourselves (and others) to it. I could say, I am a speaker, I am a coach, I am a professor, but those are all things I do... they are not who I am. 

I did not go any deeper than the power of interconnectedness in my talk, but I will in this blog. In my undergraduate studies I was taught about Maslow's hierarchy of needs and that self-actualization (reaching one’s fullest potential) was the pinnacle of human growth. From an undergraduate perspective, this seemed out of reach. But 30 years later, I see that self-actualization is focused on the individuals' achievements, personal needs, and goals (doing it for ourselves). This is all good, it is part of the drive to excel in career, family, and so on... but is there something more?  

Later in life, Maslow himself struggled with self-actualization being the pinnacle because it lacked a connection to something greater than our individual being. Before he died, he had journaled about self-transcendence being the true pinnacle... and here, I believe, he was tapping into ancient spiritual wisdom.  This stage suggests that true fulfillment comes not only from personal achievement but from connecting to a purpose greater than ourselves. 

Maslow’s revised model encourages us to see beyond individual success and recognize our interconnection with a larger purpose. Self-transcendence isn’t only about what we achieve; it’s about how we contribute and connect to something beyond ourselves. This level of growth demands that we question the labels we’ve accepted and the roles we play, both imposed by others and self-imposed. 

Today I invite you to do the following:  

Reflect on the Labels You Carry 

• Start by examining the labels you've taken on. Are there words, roles, or expectations that limit how you see yourself? Are you taking on what you “do” as who you “are”? Set aside a few moments to write these down. Notice which ones feel most restrictive and why. 

• Once you have your list, ask yourself: Who gave me this label? Is it from past experiences, family, society, or even self-protection? Understanding the origin helps to dismantle the hold these labels have on us and reveals how they may be tied to past circumstances that should not define us. 

Practice Transcendence Through Service or Purpose 

• One of the most effective ways to transcend limiting labels is to focus on serving a purpose beyond yourself. This could be through mentoring, volunteering (I shared my experiences from volunteering with Prisoner Visitation and Support in my TEDx), or even dedicating time to a personal project that aligns with your passion and values (for me it is Disrupting Gracefully!). By shifting focus outward, we can loosen the grip of limiting labels and redefine ourselves in a larger context. 

Commit to Regular Self-Reflection 

• Growth is continuous, and our perceptions evolve. In my life, when I have a huge expansion, I often have a contraction, but they are getting smaller! My TEDx was an expansion, and I contracted for a few days after to acclimate to this new growth. Contraction for me usually results in questions about the expansion, but through reflection, I work through any doubts that may come up. Be aware that this is normal! Make space for self-reflection to reassess how you may be defining yourself. Journaling, meditation, or simply spending quiet time alone can help you remain connected to your truth and allow you to release any new labels that may arise. 

If you’re ready to go further in shedding these labels and stepping into a truer, limitless version of yourself, I invite you to join me for Identity Shift: Redefine Yourself, Realign Your Life. This three-month mastermind is designed to help you disrupt the patterns and labels that keep you in limitation, unlocking a path to self-transcendence. As a group, we’ll work to build a new foundation of self... that’s aligned with your highest truth and purpose. For more information, contact me a Barbara@DisruptingGracefully.com