It Matters

Perception matters. It really does. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Whether you like it or not, whether it’s fair or not, whether it’s right or not, people will judge you based on your appearance. Perception matters because, to a large extent, perception is reality. The way you present yourself creates the impression you leave behind. As you go about your life, people will form judgments about your personality, character, and capabilities based solely on your appearance—at first, they have nothing else to go on. Perception matters because perception equals projection. How you dress, the language you use, and the way you carry yourself all serve as a reflection of who you are. These outward expressions act as symbols of your beliefs and attitudes. There’s no escaping it. If you change the way you present yourself, you may very well change the way others perceive you.