Beyond Stereotypes and Labels: The Wealth of Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

This week, I received a fun video, generated by AI*. In it, a woman was interviewing a man of nonagenarian appearance and asked him the secret to his long life. He replied: “Drink good beer and drink a lot of it.” When she asked about his age, he answered: “27 years old.” Despite being fictional content, that contrast made me reflect that perhaps the true secret of longevity is to forget our own date of birth. How many projects and dreams are wasted throughout life due to the barriers associated with age, as well as numerous other factors?

Age, like other attributes — such as gender, culture, physical appearance, and generational profile — often evokes stereotypes that shape our judgment and limit our perspective on people. These stereotypes trigger limiting beliefs, which are usually culturally constructed and unconsciously absorbed. The risk is twofold: labeling and unfairly judging others, while also restricting our own possibilities for growth.

Examples that Break Stereotypes

To consider a mature person as “outdated” or “slowing down” is to waste experience and talent. On the other hand, judging a young person as “too immature” to take on significant responsibilities can hinder innovation. Real life offers countless examples that prove the opposite:

• Fauja Singh became the first centenarian to complete a marathon in 2011. His debut in the sport was at the age of 89.

• Emma Maria Mazzenga: at 92, she is currently the world’s oldest active runner.

• Henri Nestlé: created infant cereal at 52, founding a global empire.

• Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa at the age of 75, leading one of the greatest reconciliation processes in history.

• Malala Yousafzai: received the Nobel Peace Prize at 17, becoming the youngest laureate in history.

• Mark Zuckerberg: founded Facebook at 19.

• Boyan Slat: founded The Ocean Cleanup at 18, developing technology to remove plastic from the oceans.

  
  

In other words, talent, creativity, purpose, and resilience go far beyond any limitation associated with age.

Gender and Professions

Defining professions according to gender also restricts creativity and innovation. Fields such as engineering and the exact sciences remain predominantly male, while nursing and social work are still strongly associated with women. Yet any field of knowledge should be open to the participation and contribution of whoever wishes to pursue it. The complementarity of perspectives between different genders expands solutions, strengthens empathy, and fuels innovation.

Culture and Stereotypes

Likewise, reducing entire cultures to stereotypes oversimplifies human complexity. Statements such as “that people are disorganized,” “they are cold and distant,” or “they only care about money” generalize traits and overlook historical, social, and individual contexts. When a person is labeled for cultural attributes and eventually excluded, capacities, talents, and gifts are wasted — impoverishing both relationships and organizations.

The Impact on the Workplace

In professional environments, stereotypes have concrete consequences. For example, recent studies show that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence may create entry barriers for the younger generation, who may struggle to gain practical experience. On the other hand, prejudice against more experienced professionals, evidenced by ageism, remains a reality.

The diversity of perspectives and experiences should be a priority for Human Resources. While evaluating work history — whether brief or extensive — may seem more objective, taking into account potential, willingness to learn, and the capacity to grow delivers far greater value to organizations.

Conclusion

We must break free from the shackles of stereotypes, labels, and limiting beliefs. They not only impoverish our view of others but also create invisible barriers to our own growth. It is an exercise that needs to be carried out consciously and intentionally — a strategic step toward building relationships and organizations that are more creative, enriching, resilient, and innovative.

*source: @aicreator_de: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOd1snQjMbt/?igsh=aDg5Nmw1N3FjNHoy

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