Self-image vs Perception!

How we perceive ourselves is Self-Image, and how people around us perceive us i.e. our

self-image is perception. For example, I could feel that I am an honest and direct person but people might perceive that to be rude and insensitive.

People interpret the signals that we send through our appearance, behaviour and communication and build a perception about us. It is always influenced by their personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, beliefs, biases etc. For instance, if there is an employee at your workspace who is always shabbily dressed, wears wrinkled clothes, and dirty shoes and does not pay a lot of attention to hygiene but spends a lot of money on branded clothes and accessories, subconsciously we might form a perception that he/she is lazy and has no value for money and this perception extrapolated to his work as well.

If he ends up breaking something accidentally, he might not be that easily pardoned.

Therefore, we need to understand what is the image that we are projecting and if there is a gap in our Image and perception.

The good news is we can manage perceptions to some extent:

1. Be authentic: If your self-image is simple, then your behaviour, clothes, make-up and communication should project that.

2. Be consistent

3. Flexible and adaptable: Depending on the people and situation, we need to adapt our self-image while still staying true to ourselves. Just because one's personal style is fashionista, they can not attend a funeral dressed like that.

4. Be self-aware and open to feedback: You don't have to listen to everyone, but there should always be a trusted few who would give honest feedback.

Always remember, we are not perfect and are always a work in progress and that's how we grow.

Be authentic and do not try to emulate someone else blindly. Be YOU!!!!!