After 20 years in personal development and counselling as a client and practitioner, this video represents a deep truth – we are not the labels we give ourselves, we are not the labels other people give us.
I urge teachers, parents and all people who have given themselves a label or been a victim of a label to watch this powerful video by Chris Varney.
As I watched and listened I could Identify all the things I know and teach about human transformation over 2 decades in the Accidental Counsellor Training.
You cannot perform consistently in a manner which is inconsistent with how you see yourself.
Zig Ziglar
The strongest need in the human personality is to remain consistent with how we have defined ourselves.
Robert Cialdini
What Cialdini and Ziglar are speaking about are “Identity Beliefs”. This diagram explains how our Identity Beliefs influence our perception and thinking.
It goes without saying that negative and stressful negative thoughts influence our emotions and behaviour. Often when we “act out” our thinking and emotional state this reinforces the “Identity Belief”.
When we change or help others change how they see themselves everything changes! How did Chris change his identity beliefs?
The true transformation Chris speaks about is LOVE. The love of the people in our family and our environment.
There is a popular phrase that was first spoken by Jim Rohn,
“We become the average of the 5 people we spend most of our time with”.
What struck me the most in this powerful story of LOVE and CONNECTION is the number of times Chris speaks of people who entered his life to support him and see him for who he really is rather than the label of Autistic. Be honest – when you think Autistic, what do you think of first? It would be OK if society recognised people on the spectrum as humans with unique, and extraordinary gifts that this world needs.
From the stories Chris’ mother read to him and the person she was to his grandfather who taught him motor skills in his wheelchair, to the teachers and friends who connected with him, but loved him because they could see him for who he really is NOT the LABEL that was given to him. All this combined to help Chris believe “He could”, rather than “He couldn’t”.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments.
Please share this with everyone you know!
Click here to find out how to manage anxiety and help an awesome school that helps children and families with Autism.
A reminder to focus on the strengths, we are all capable, we are all different. Such a powerful film clip – will be watching this again and again. Supportive environments so important, especially at school. Thankyou
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for taking the time to comment. It was a powerful video that moved me. So inspirational and a reminder of the power we have to make a difference!