How Do You Perceive Yourself?

So often you wonder what others think about you. It’s a question that maybe makes you nervous. It’s a question that makes the garment and make-up industry rich. We need to look good for others by wearing certain clothes and putting on make-up, in turn others have good impressions of us!

This question brings up the concept that “perception is reality”. What we mean is that someone else’s perception of you is their reality and thus, correct. You don’t get to control how others perceive you! You can’t expect them (or wish for them) to perceive you otherwise, at least not at first.

But the better inquiry is how you perceive yourself. This is the starting point for our personal brand analysis, because if you don’t know how you see yourself, then how can you alter your personal brand to serve your goals and dreams?

It seems the entertainment industry is on board with this simple, yet powerful premise, too. I heard an interesting statement on Anderson Cooper’s show. Actor Blair Underwood (remember him from LA Law?) was speaking of appearing on the show “Who Do You Think You Are?”. He said the entire premise for him is, “How you perceive yourself impacts how you present yourself.”

Let’s unpack this statement. Your self perception plays 100% into how you present yourself and thus, how your personal brand is perceived by society. It really is all about self-care and self-love as the starting point. If your self-perception was more loving and caring towards yourself, then you would show up and present yourself to the word in that same manner– everything from your physical demeanor (holding your head up high, shoulders back, dressing with intention and care) all the way to your gaze, stance, stride and, of course, your verbal communication.

So stop and ask yourself a few of the following questions in order to identify how you perceive yourself:

• Would you hire yourself given the way you show up today – based on what you wear, what you say, the kind of service you give clients/customers?

• Do you perceive yourself as: knowledgeable/an expert, friendly, helpful, caring, considerate, truly about your clients’ best interest, a “winner”, or someone on the sidelines of life/your profession?

• What words do you use to describe you? Look to your “self-talk” for answers here.

• How do you feel about yourself? Your emotions are the gateway for how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you, as well. Learning to identify and express your emotions will allow you to self-express more authentically and naturally. In turn, the world will see you as you want to be seen because they will NO longer bill filling in the blanks for you.

Be honest with yourself when answering these questions – the truth may hurt. Discomfort allows you to grow. Let me know if you have any questions or need help with your answers.