Describe yourself with room to change · D2.6

Describe an experience without making it your identity

A thought or feeling has turned into a fixed label about you.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Write the identity statement you notice, such as 'I am a failure.'
2. Replace it with a description of the current experience: what happened, what you think, or what you feel.
3. Name another relevant part of your life or perspective that the label leaves out.

An example

I feel disappointed about this result; that feeling does not describe every role or experience in my life.

Reflect

Does the description fit the moment more accurately than the label?

Next time

Use ordinary words rather than a metaphor if that is clearer for you.