Happy November. Let’s close out these final two months of 2021 strong!
Ego and emotions create strange dynamics in human interactions. For example, the decisions people make in an attempt to influence the perception others have of them.
A surprisingly large number of decisions are driven by the desire to be seen a certain way or not seen a certain way. It’s perception management and it explains quite a lot of behavior.
If you’re going to engage in perception management to influence what other people think of you, consider these questions first:
- Why do you need to manage your perception in this setting and with these people?
- What do you want people to think of you and why doesn't your behavior already speak for itself?
- If elements of your behavior get misinterpreted, what purpose other than your ego does correcting them solve? (Also return to question #2)
- While you get to decide what you think and how you act, why would you get to decide what anyone else thinks, even of you?
- Is your effort better spent on managing perceptions of what people think of you or acting from purpose as the person you want to be in this world?
A disciplined, purpose-driven life solves a lot of problems of perception, but will never solve all of them. Focus on your purpose not their perceptions.
Everything is training for something. Do the work.
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