Unlock Authenticity: Identifying Common Gender Blindspots
You've heard me talking about our boxed-based mindset. In short, it is a term used to describe the idea that people believe they have to behave and live in a specific way based on their social conditions, such as gender, race, and socioeconomic status.
This mindset is the most significant thing hindering us in life, as it limits individuals from being their true selves and reaching their full potential.
What is often so tricky talking about this are two things. Either people say: Ahhh… yeah, we all do this, you can't do anything about it, or they say: Well, don't we need these boxes to feel safe?
Both are true, and at the same time, not so true.
Let me explain.
They are true because that is how we perceive our world and ourselves. And, like with anything that we believe in, that's how our world looks like.
They do give us the feeling of being safe and less judged. The trick is to be mindful and self-aware enough to know when you jeopardise your most authentic self.
That's the journey.
It's like washing your clothes. You rinse and repeat.
I'm often asked: How do I know my gender box is holding me back?
Here are three examples of how a boxed-based mindset can show up for some men:
You notice you feel pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and suppress emotions or vulnerability. You even feel considerable discomfort thinking about expressing your feelings.
You notice you need to be in control and avoid seeking help or support.
You notice you need to be constantly successful and avoid failure at all costs.
Similarly, here are three examples of how a boxed-based mindset can show up for some women:
You might notice people expect you to prioritise caregiving, and you believe deeply that your role is to sacrifice your own needs and desires.
You might feel pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards and prioritise your appearance over your self-worth.
You should play down your intelligence and assertiveness to avoid being perceived as aggressive.
These boxed-based mindsets can limit us from reaching our full potential and experiencing a fulfilling life. We should ask ourselves: How is our boxed-based perspective holding us back from being our highest version? It's time to challenge these limiting beliefs and embrace our individuality.
We Label Everything Into Stereotypical Gender Boxes - Even Energies!
What if you Defined Masculine and Feminine in Your Way?
I've said this before, and I will repeat it. I find this habit so hilarious and, at the same time, so dangerous.
I think it would do so a world of good to set our intention to be more mindful when using terms such as "masculine" and "feminine" energies, as they are just one aspect of the social conditionings that exist in our lives.
These terms can perpetuate gender stereotypes and limit individuals from expressing their true selves. Rather than boxing ourselves into these categories, we must recognise and constantly remind ourselves that each of us has unique energies and qualities that societal norms cannot define.
By embracing our individuality and all aspects of our being, we can empower ourselves to live a life free of constraints.
Society often dictates what it means to be "masculine" or "feminine," but these definitions are not set in stone and are constantly evolving. Take control and create your very own definition and set yourself free.
One of the significant parts of this is our day-to-day choice of words. By being mindful of the language we use and the societal norms we are subject to, we can break free from limiting beliefs and live a life of authenticity and empowerment.
In conclusion, we must remember that our power lies in breaking free from society's restrictive boundaries.
We should continue challenging ourselves and our preconceived notions of what we can and cannot do.
It's time to start exploring and pushing the limits of our energies rather than adhering to a single label or idea. When we are unafraid to embrace who we are, we open up tremendous possibilities that allow us to reach our full potential.
