"Behavior is a mirror in
which everyone shows his own image" (Chinese fortune cookie)
I recently read the saying
above on the "fortune" in my fortune cookie, and it reminded me of
other similar sayings: "Actions speak
louder than words", and, "You are what you do". All of these
sayings boil down to the same simple truth: we show the world what kind of
people we are by what we do, literally -- how we treat others, how we are
groomed, how we manage our time, to list just a few examples. Our behavior gives powerful non-verbal
messages to others that tell them what to think about us. After all, they may
say "Never judge a book by its cover", but we all make assessments
and judgments based on the available evidence before us. Knowing this can help
us shape how others perceive us.
Our attire and our personal
hygiene send strong messages. People may
not consciously note that you look clean and neat, but they definitely notice
when you are sloppy or otherwise not well-groomed.
How we manage our time sends a
powerful message too. When we are on time, we are telegraphing to others that
we are ready and eager for our appointment; when we are late, we may give the
impression that we do not value other people's time, and that we are not
responsible -- which may not be true, but this is the impression some may be
left with.
When we are kind to others and
offer them care and concern, our actions reflect kindly upon ourselves, and
when we speak about others behind their backs -- a bit of snide gossip,
perhaps, or maybe belittling another actor's talent -- it says to others that
we probably talk about THEM behind their backs as well.
How do you perceive of
yourself, and how do you want to be perceived by the world? Think about that,
and think of ways to behave that promote that perception in yourself and in
others.
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