The Power of a Name: How Labels Shape Your Habits and Your Life
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
William Shakespeare posed this question in Romeo and Juliet, suggesting that names themselves hold no real meaning—they’re just labels. Some people still echo that idea today, brushing off the significance of language with phrases like, “It’s just semantics.” 🙄
But I beg to differ. Names can be powerful. They provide identity, symbolism, history, heritage, even ambition. A name can suggest purpose—or even become a belief system.
When I was naming my coaching business, it felt a lot like naming a new baby. 👶🏻
Every option I considered came with an internal critique:
“Too common.”
“Not catchy enough.”
“Too vague.”
“Confusing.”
With help from my daughter, I landed on Once Upon a Habit—and I love everything it represents. The name brings together story, identity, behavior, mindset... and let’s be real, some people treat their habits like religion!
A name is a label—but one we assign meaning to.
When I think about habits in my own life, I automatically label them as “good” or “bad.” That meaning affects how I feel about myself: Am I keeping a promise to myself? Am I healthy or unhealthy, productive or procrastinating, successful or stuck?
That all-or-nothing mindset loves to sneak in. 😬
Once Upon a... Habit
Just like every great story begins with Once Upon a Time, our lives are shaped by the story of our habits. But habits don’t exist in isolation. They live in context—formed as we attempt to solve or soothe something with the least resistance.
So I’ll ask you:
What’s your story with your habits?
What does the sentence Once Upon a Habit... stir up for you?
Can habits really change?
Do you believe in the power they hold?
Is there a habit you're trying to shift that would help you feel more like yourself?
Or one you’ve already adopted that’s become part of who you are?
We all know how hard it is to break a so-called “bad” habit—especially once we've labeled it that way. That’s when the self-doubt creeps in. The excuses pile up. The inner trash talk gets loud. 🥴
Habits are deeply ingrained, and changing them isn’t just about willpower. It means addressing the emotional, psychological, and environmental layers underneath.
And here’s the truth: Habits don’t change overnight.
You can’t just flip a switch. Change requires consistency in both action and mindset.
It starts with intention. Then repetition. Add in a cue, a response, and a reward—on loop—until the behavior becomes second nature. Research shows it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form a new habit.
But here's the good news: once a habit sticks, it can actually strengthen your sense of identity.
Why the Name Matters
A good name opens a door. It creates recognition and connection—and I’m all about connection.
Because in connection, we feel seen, supported, encouraged, and validated. 😌
And when it comes to habits, connection can be the difference between giving up and pushing through. I think we all have experienced the benefits of having a buddy to keep us accountable and on track, and for us to do the same for them.
Humans are creatures of habit, and old patterns die hard. But with the right tools, mindset, and support system, change becomes not just possible—but sustainable.
So... CUE: Once Upon a Habit Coaching! 🥳
Not every strategy works for everyone. That’s why I believe in creating personalized plans that align with your life, your values, and your strengths.
Once Upon a Habit Coaching is built on the understanding that behavior change is complex. It’s not one-size-fits-all. But with curiosity, intention, and the right support, you can shift your mindset, reshape your routines, and keep the promises you make to yourself.
Once Upon a Habit Coaching brings together a community of like-minded people to support healthy transformation, personal growth, and reinforcement for optimal wellbeing to elevate your best self.
Because you matter. Your story matters.
And the life you want to live? That matters too.
Curious about habit or mindset coaching? Explore 1:1 and group coaching options and browse resources on my website to help you begin. Subscribe to my newsletter to stay engaged; I’d love to have you part of the community!
Thanks for reading—and for being human with me. 😊
Let’s keep showing up, together.