Your Public Image

Public image, or what the public perceives you to be, is a really big deal to some people.  Some of us never think twice about it.  We are who we are, and never really work very hard to make people think otherwise.  But for some, especially for those who are before the public all the time, their public image is very important.  They care very much about what people think of them.  They watch the way they look, how they act and what they say.  In the end, that is not a bad thing.

                The thing that we need to understand is that having a good public image is great if the image is real and not just for show.  I have known many people who portray an image of the wonderful, understanding and fun loving person to those that see them, however, in reality, they are intolerant of others, demanding and downright rude.  This type of public image is nothing less than a lie.  The problem with lies is that it takes an awful lot of work to maintain them.

                A good public image is one that shows the world just who you are.  Now, if you are a rat, then you are in trouble, but I believe that most success-minded people are just good regular folks.  You do have to be aware of how you act.  Not because you want people to believe something that is not true, but because you what to be the best person you can be.

                There are four key areas that every success-minded person should focus on and make a part of their daily life.  By following these areas, a person will not have to worry about their public image because what people see will be who you are.

"Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image."

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

(1749-1832)

German Poet

#1  Focus on Your Character

                Our character is who we are.  Our character is defined by integrity, loyalty, and kindness and caring.  Those of good character are people on who we can trust and depend.  Take a few moments and examine your character.  Do you show the qualities of an honorable person or is there room for change.  No one is perfect, and we all make mistakes and have flaws.  However, no one can blame dishonesty, lack of loyalty or rudeness on a “flaw” in their character.  These are all things we can and must control.

#2  Focus on Your Words

                What we say tells others a lot about who we are.  The person who is given to say unkind and nasty things shows they are not a person of character.  Swearing and the use of profanity are never in good taste and never welcome.  Success-minded people should always be aware of what they are saying and to who.  Their speech must be kind, respectful, and controlled.  Make your reputation one that people know when they see you, they will be encouraged lifted and comfortable.

Note:  Profanity and hateful words are not the only offensive talk that you can have.  Things like negativity, gossip and slander are just as bad.  Remember that the person who gossips and says unkind things about someone else will surely do the same for you when you are not around.

#3  Focus on Your Actions

                The adage, “Actions speak louder than words” is still very true.  People don’t care what you say as much as they care what you do.  The great industrialist, Andrew Carnegie said, “As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I watch what they do.”  Your behavior matters far more than you may think.  As you are looking to move ahead in life, remember that the people who can help you the most will be noticing what you do.

#4  Focus on Your Outlook

                How you see the world, you live in will show in your attitude toward that world.  If you see everything in a negative and distasteful light, you will be a negative person.  I know that we live in troubled times and some days it is just really hard to see anything positive in the world; however, the positive is there.  Those success-minded people with a positive worldview will always find it, and they will be the ones to show it to others.  Your attitude will be reflected in everything you say, do or feel.  Positive people will always have an advantage over negative people.  As Zig Ziglar always used to say, “Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.”

You can learn more about Personal Development from author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey.  To get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2019 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this may be reprinted or published without the permission of the author.