{"id":5783,"date":"2024-01-16T06:18:18","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T10:18:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/whats-more-important-perception-or-reality\/"},"modified":"2024-01-16T06:18:18","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T10:18:18","slug":"whats-more-important-perception-or-reality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/whats-more-important-perception-or-reality\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s More Important, Perception or Reality?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Profit<\/a>
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People care so much about their popularity, their appearance<\/a>, and their status. They care about what people think, whether others approve, and how they measure up. What\u2019s more, people buy things to appear successful and even lower their personal standards<\/a> to gain acceptance. That\u2019s a hefty price to pay. But how are you viewed by the person you spend the most amount of time with \u2014 yourself? What do you<\/em> deem more important \u2014 perception or reality?<\/p>\n

We spend so much time worrying about our image, and so little time thinking about who we really are. Are you a good person? Are you proud of the way that you live your life? Would you want to be friends with yourself? Would you be happy if your kids followed in your footsteps?<\/p>\n

If we spent more time and effort strengthening our moral character<\/a>, we wouldn\u2019t have to worry about the impression that we\u2019re making. As John Wooden, the legendary college basketball coach, said, \u201cBe more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because\u00a0your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

When someone asks you who you\u2019re trying to impress
your answer should always be \u201cmyself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why Do We Care What Others Think of Us?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If reality is more important than perception, why don\u2019t folks act that way? People are, by their very nature, social animals. It\u2019s only natural to want to be liked and fit in. Besides, being complimented and comparing favorably to others can do wonders for our confidence and self-esteem. The problem occurs when people become obsessed with being liked; then perception overshadows reality.<\/p>\n

In this scenario, appearance is more celebrated than substance, shortcuts are more commonplace than hard work, and doing what\u2019s right gives way to doing what\u2019s easy. In essence, smoke and mirrors outweigh authenticity. Furthermore, when the need for acceptance reigns supreme, you\u2019re giving others control over your life. While you can shape your character, you have limited control over others\u2019 perception of you. So, stay true to yourself.<\/p>\n

Your character is in your hands. Your reputation is in the hands of others.<\/p>\n

How Strong Are Your Moral Values?<\/h3>\n

Our moral values serve as guiding forces, shaping our decisions and actions, and ultimately defining the essence of our character. Here are 15 ways to determine the depth of your moral convictions:<\/p>\n

Do you:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Invest in your future<\/strong> or refuse to make sacrifices?<\/li>\n
  2. Confront your fears<\/strong> or surrender to them?<\/li>\n
  3. Keep your promises<\/a><\/strong> or break your commitments?<\/li>\n
  4. Think about others\u2019 needs<\/strong> or make everything all about you?<\/li>\n
  5. Accept accountability<\/strong> or sidestep responsibility<\/a>?<\/li>\n
  6. Remain true to your values<\/strong>\u00a0or bend to peer pressure?<\/li>\n
  7. Do what\u2019s right<\/strong> or make exceptions when it\u2019s convenient?<\/li>\n
  8. Set high expectations<\/strong> or settle for good?<\/li>\n
  9. Accept adversity like a champ<\/strong> or feel sorry for yourself?<\/li>\n
  10. Earn your rewards<\/strong>\u00a0or feel entitled to them?<\/li>\n
  11. Work to make things better<\/strong> or grumble about how things are?<\/li>\n
  12. Appreciate what you<\/strong> have<\/strong> or continually hunger for more?<\/li>\n
  13. Surround yourself with exceptional role models<\/strong> or hang out with negative influencers?<\/li>\n
  14. Define acceptable standards of behavior for yourself<\/strong>\u00a0or allow others to set them for you?<\/li>\n
  15. Listen to your conscience<\/strong> or fall victim to temptation?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You Are the Author of Your Life Story<\/h3>\n

    Live a life that makes you proud; one in which you begin each day\u2019s journey with a 10-minute walk within your soul. It\u2019s a life in which you hope for the best, try your best, and bring out the best in others. It\u2019s a life in which you reach for the stars and extend your hand to help others in need. It\u2019s a life in which you live with honor and integrity, give more than you take, and care not only about where life is taking you, but about how you\u2019re getting there as well. But most of all, it\u2019s a life in which you earn the trust<\/a>, respect, and admiration of people, not because you try hard to please them, but because of who you are. What\u2019s more important to you, perception or reality?<\/p>\n

    LISTEN UP \u2026\u00a0\u00a0Listen to Your Conscience. That\u2019s Why You Have One<\/em>\u00a0is now available as an audiobook. Check it out on\u00a0,\u00a0, or\u00a0iTunes<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Is Perception or Reality of Greater Importance to You?<\/h3>\n

    Please leave a\u00a0comment<\/a>\u00a0and tell us what you think or\u00a0share it with someone who can benefit from the\u00a0information.<\/b><\/p>\n

    Additional Reading:<\/strong>
    Moral Character Matters<\/a>
    Live With Honor and Integrity<\/a>
    Take Ownership by Taking Responsibility<\/a>
    What Does Your Name Say About You?<\/a>
    10 Hallmarks of an Honorable Person<\/a>
    Reputation: You Can\u2019t Run from Your Shadow<\/a>
    13 Ways to Be a God Role Model<\/a><\/p>\n

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