How much we guard against it, we tend to shape ourselves in the image others have of us. —Eric Hoffer—
Our sense of how someone else perceives us is a compelling influence in our lives. At such times we’ve often chosen not to rely on our personal power, which can forge the posture we want to present to others. We must put forth the effort, however. Passively letting others decide who we are gives us who we deserve!
We are not powerless in any situation. It’s true that we cannot control others, but the reverse is likewise true. Unfortunately, too often we let another individual decide our worth, our capabilities, our very personality. Domineering parents may have done it in the past. A hateful boss or a too-critical spouse may do it presently. We are always responsible for our participation in someone else’s underestimation of us. We are who we want to be. The question we must answer is, why do we choose to satisfy someone’s negative image?
Self-talk will help me maintain the self-image I choose today. I will accept personal responsibility.