#9
We derive some of our sense of identity from how others perceive us.
But here’s the thing…
We change who we are depending on who’s around us. That means our behaviour prioritises a certain set of qualities over others with different people to increase our chances of bonding with them. In other words, some people might only ever experience our kindness and generosity whereas others will be familiar with our sharp wit and fairness.
Oh, one more thing…
Some people will only ever meet or remember a single version of yourself. Since we change continuously, the person we were 5 years ago might not be the same person we are today.
For example, to your parents you might still be that shy kid they have so many photos of in the house. And to your high school friends you might be the loudest joker they’ve ever met. And to your partner you might be the kindest, most loving person in the entire universe. And they’ll all be right and wrong at the same time.
The paradox of being alive!
Go and ask 5 people in your life to describe you using only 5 words.
Have you received the same adjectives?
Are you surprised by some of the answers?
Did you find that you’re not giving yourself enough credit for everything you represent to others by simply being yourself?
Are there any qualities you expected to hear but didn’t?
Finally, are there any qualities you wish to work on, so that in 5 years time people recognise you for them?
