Protecting Our Reputation
What is it that has us fear how others will see us in the many social settings we find ourselves in? Do we feel if others see us connected to negative situations, organizations, or people that we are out of integrity with, will they think less of us? If they think less of us will they disconnect from us in ways we have no control over? We didn’t create the issue, yet we feel connected to it in the minds of our customers, friends, neighbors and family. If we believe our reputation is based on what others do, say or think, we end up feeling out of control to represent ourselves as we are and that our reputation is at risk.
What if our reputation doesn’t need to be protected? What if instead we need to shift our reputation with ourselves? We can begin the process by seeing ourselves as both responsible and capable of defining and honoring what works best for us and means the most to us. We can create a new reputation within that says ‘I’m no longer willing to buy into my ego’s limiting story of my being responsible for how others see me or respond to me. I am no longer willing to control what they think, do or say to feel good within myself. I now focus my attention on what I think, do or say about myself and others in ways that honor my highest values. I stand up for myself and I treat myself and others the way I want to be treated, regardless of how others treat me.’
When we are honoring our own inner-reputation with ourselves, something magical happens. The energy of self-respect that we are generating influences others to respond in kind. Suddenly new conversations and expectations are established that would not have come about if we continued to focus on managing what others think of us. It’s like we have called others up to a higher game energetically by standing in a place of self-respect and self-honor and they have no choice but to rise to meet us We are not responsible for our partners, friends, colleagues, bosses, or family members or what they create/feel/do. We are responsible for ourselves and how we live in integrity with what is most important to us. When we treat ourselves in this way, others want to be engaged with us. They know where they stand with us and it’s as if we have given them permission to do the same thing for themselves. Then our reputation precedes us in everything we do based on people’s experience of us – instead of misplaced expectations of what others think of us.
How can you honor your own inner reputation today?