The question “What will others think?” is most often associated with taking, or not taking, an action. The underlying worry is usually a fear of judgment or rejection.
However, there’s a deeper, more nuanced, and less visible layer that can limit our growth: the perception of our identity by others.
Based on what we do, achieve, and share, other people form a perception of our skills, confidence, strength, and even our career path.
And inadvertently, we can begin to absorb other people’s projections about our identity.
It’s these projections that can quietly place a cap on our growth, keeping us inside the identity that others have formed around us.
This dynamic has been amplified significantly by social media. As we post and share our achievements, milestones, and projects, people form a perception about who we are, an image of our identity.
Before we know it, we may find ourselves trying to live up to that image.
And when our soul and heart call us to expand beyond it, we may falsely feel that it’s too much, not doable, or not safe. The sense of safety becomes defined by others’ projections.
I know I’ve felt this throughout my own path. How could I go from teaching high-level business simulations focused on finance, to change management, learning experience design, and eventually to transformational coaching, and even develop art-based techniques for personal growth?
I can clearly see how every part of my journey contributed to where I am today and enabled me to create and deliver the experiences I do.
But the question that used to come up was: Can others see it? And if they don’t, what will they think?
The most important thing to remember is this: your journey is your journey - not anyone else’s, and not that of the people who form opinions about your identity.
You must stay true to your soul and heart’s calling.
Because when you deviate, pause, or dim it down, challenges, problems, and setbacks often appear as resistance to something that's not true to you - to guide you back on track.
If you feel called to expand, yet something invisible seems to hold you back, questions below can help you see if that limitation comes from a capped perception of others.
Here are a few questions for you to explore:
- Based on my studies, work, and titles, what perception might others in my network, social and family circles have about my identity?
- Is that perception in line with how I see myself now?
- Is it aligned with what I’d like to achieve in the next 12 months?
- If I had a magic wand and anything were possible, what would I really like to achieve in the next 12 months (without worrying about how or whether it’s possible)?
- How much are my goals and my belief that I can achieve them influenced by others’ perception of my identity?
These questions will help you see where others’ views of who you are might be quietly limiting you.
To achieve your dreams, the most sacred dreams you know, deep down, you were born to fulfill, you need to set yourself free from projections of others about who you are that limit you, and keep only one truth: you’re meant to grow and be you, in your own way.
When you do, you step into your own creative power and you begin to see that the next version of you has always been there, it was simply waiting for your permission to emerge.
Give it that permission. The world needs what only you can bring.
So, how do you begin to set yourself free from others’ projections?
The path begins by connecting with your true Self, what I like to call your Amazing Self.
From there, you explore and begin to release the false beliefs you’ve acquired about yourself, the doubts, guilt, fears, and distorted self-concept that may have developed as a result. Once you are connected with your genuine Self and fully accept all of your parts, you create the space to step beyond the limitations of the identity that others may have projected onto you.
There is no quick fix. It is one of the most profound journeys we can experience.
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If you’re ready to step fully into your growth, explore programs below and join us. It will be an honor to guide and support you. If you have any questions or not sure where to begin, email us team@edelweiss.academy, and we'll be in touch.
