The common thread that ties all these thoughts together is this:
Other people perceive us through the filters of their experiences, fears , hopes, dreams and biases. There’s relatively little we can do about their filters, however, we can continually improve each interaction by monitoring our behaviors.
“The Brand in the Mirror” serves as a “junk drawer” containing beautiful patches of fabric (wisdom) that I’ve picked up along my journey.
How you piece them together and the quilt you create is entirely up to you.
So, that being said, here’s my opening salvo: What version of you will others see in just a few short years?
At the top-left is a picture of me in my mid-thirties; about the time I got serious about self-improvement. While the characteristics associated with my name at that time weren’t necessarily negative, there certainly was plenty of room to grow (and still is!).
At the top-right is a more recent photo. I am in no way suggesting that I’ve “arrived”, but I’d like to think that others speak well of me when I’m not present.
The two “versions of me” serve to provide contrast. Like everyone else, I have some positive attributes and some not so positive. I work daily to shift the balance of attributes toward the positive column.
No matter what we do, think or say, we’re going to get older. The only thing you can control is the amount of time and energy you invest in your growth and development.
How you develop determines the “version of you” others will encounter in the future.
People will form their opinions of you based on the behaviors you exhibit and not what you say.
Actions speak louder than words.
Your personality is deeply ingrained and will change very little throughout your lifetime. However, your behaviors can be changed the moment you decide to change them.
The behaviors other see you exhibit create the “brand” that is associated with you each time your name comes up in a conversation. This blog serves to share ideas I’ve gleaned from books, the internet, collaborating with luminaries and serving incredibly smart clients.
I’m hoping the outcome for you will be to burn a lasting, positive “personal brand” within the mind (and heart) of everyone you encounter.
Five years from today you will be five years older. The version of you that others encounter at that time is entirely up to the decisions you make between now and then… starting with your immediate decision to take actions on the ideas I share.
I wish you all good things along your success journey, and I hope we walk together!
Scott Michael Zimmerman
A wonderful point about how personality remains reasonably constant while behaviors are what can change when we want them to, Scott. It really is all up to us. Good luck as you begin on this new venture, which I can tell you will lead in some wonderful directions that you can’t now even imagine. I’m looking forward to returning here periodically to learn from and partake in the conversation you’ll be hosting. Good luck.