Call yourself by your real name

What’s in a name? What is your name? A name is a reputation that somebody or something has; the opinion that people have about somebody or something. Give a dog a bad name and you could as well throw it away. The name you respond to will greatly determine your potential.

We were given names when we did not have any choice. There’ll come a point in your life’s journey that you will need to deliberately call yourself the name you want to bear –this should become your real name.


I will review the different ways by which we get names and eventually spotlight your real name and how it impacts your success story: Names from the past.

Your past may have something you may want to hide. When the name of you past resurfaces in your present, you should be careful to check whether that name is one you still want to answer.

Forget your past. The names you were called in the past should not be so empowered to determine your experience today.

Nicknames.

A nickname is an informal, often humorous, name for a person that is connected with their real name, their personality or appearance or something they have done.

Nicknames may not take you to the personal, academic and professional height  you desire for yourself. By the way, how did you get that nickname of yours?

The origin of your nickname should instruct you on whether you should continue with it or not. Were you a truant, evaluate yourself if you have changed or you still have elements of truancy in your being.

Names are too important to be toyed with. Most nicknames are tied to something spiteful and untoward. Denounce such nicknames because we all live up to the names we bear. I have a brother who calls himself “Lion,” now he has a series of bold and successful decisions. What are you calling yourself?

Birth names Ben Carson, the world-renowned neurosurgeon, in his book Gifted Hands, said birthplace does not have to remain a permanent address. This quote touches me on a deep level and I advice you to ruminate on it.

The situation and circumstances that surround your birth should not determine  your name (or the opinion that people have of you). I do not mean you change your name at a magistrate court, but rather that you prevail over the limitations of your birth and background.

You can choose your outcome by the name you call yourself starting from today  A lady started calling herself “the beloved of the Lord” little wonder she has a track record of favours and breakthroughs.

Most dominant name

Psychologists tell us that we eventually become our most dominant thoughts. How much more our most dominant name? Your dominant name is the name that you have imprinted on your subconscious mind, it is the name you call yourself almost all the time.

You may not be aware of this dominant name because it is what you call yourself almost unconsciously. From now on, listen to the names you call yourself. Listen to yourself talk. You may be surprise what you hear.

Several people have changed their experience in life by the kind of name they chose to ingrain in their subconscious mind. It is what you call yourself that people will call you. Insist on a positive, motivating and empowering name. This is not the time to be humble.

Someone said “I am a mountain, I am tall tree, I am a hero…if anyone asks you who I am, stand up tall, look them in the face and say ‘I’m the world’s greatest.’”

Keep insisting and ensuring that what registers most in your hearing is a positive name. Let it be the dominant one.

Secret name
The character of a man is best revealed in the secret. There are some times when what you call yourself only comes to your heart in the secret confines of your bedroom or closet.

When your character does not match your reputation, you will be found out. What are you in the secret? What do you do when you are alone?

Some people masturbate, watch obscene movies and commit all forms of unwholesome atrocities in secret. This detracts from your life force. Research shows that extremely successful people espouse a life of moral integrity. Join them.

You may be handsome, beautiful or intelligent but your personal and professional success will eventually mirror your secret life. Make your secret life and secret name virtuous and not something you need to hide away from others.

Circumstantial name
Your circumstance is the circumference in which you are presently standing. You do not have to remain there. You can change your position.

Remember: birthplace does not have to remain a permanent address. Where you  presently are in your academics, career and relationship does not have to be your future. You can change your outcome.

The historical Rahab was a harlot. That was her circumstance but her real name was the ancestress of Christ. Your situation, colleagues or society may put you in a class you don’t like, you can emancipate yourself by the name you call yourself. That there is no money in your  pocket does not make you a poor man.

Given names
You may be called a dreamer, inexperienced, uneducable or retarded. You may be given different names. You don’t have to accept them. People who call you such names do not have the ability to name you. If they did, they could have stopped Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and Nelson Mandela from achieving their purpose.

Life only respects and rewards your results. Take time to focus on what you have received as a calling and when you eventually succeed, those given names will become irrelevant.

Your real name
Understand that the worlds were framed, fashioned, put in order and equipped for their intended purpose by the word of God so that what we see was not made out of  things which are visible.

The concept of calling yourself by your real name has existed for over two thousand years. Your real name is the future you are consciously framing for yourself with the word.

Calling yourself by your real name fashions your experiences into what you desire. It equips you for the challenges ahead. It brings into manifestation the things you hope for in your personal and professional life.

Tony Robbins called it “Reframing: the power of perspective.” Zig Ziglar said a man must dress, speak, act and think like the person he seeks most to be like. What do you want from life?

When you decide what you want from life, start dressing, thinking, acting and most importantly, speaking in that direction.

Frame your world with your words. Upgrade from words of affirmation and self  suggestion to faith. Someone said “I believe therefore I speak,” call yourself your real name forthwith because you believe you will get there. That’s where it all starts!

Kehinde Odeniyi is a Personal Development Coach, Writer and University Lecturer. Mail to:kehindeodeniyi@gmail.com; 08033387295