Why do we do the crazy things we do?

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Pandora current song: Breathe In, Frou Frou

Self-presentation and perception. This is a major theme of thought in peoples’ minds whether directly or indirectly. What we do, how we do it, what we wear, what we say is all a part of identity for ourselves in others’ minds. It is in our culture to come up with excuses for things done wrong. Who wants to take the blame and be the dimwit who made the mistake, especially if it wasn’t even our fault? Humility and honor is a characteristic we put on the shelf when we really need it most. Yet, it is good for our identity to admit mistakes and show our vulnerability. Actions we take also account for our impression on others. If we trip on a root or stumble as we walk, we look back, say “Oops,” laugh it off, and then keep walking. If we didn’t look back, people would think we were strange. Another example is when we forget things. We start walking to our destination and when we remember what we forgot, we snap our fingers, and say, “Oh crap,” or other choice words. If you just saw someone walk by and then all of a sudden turn around in the opposite direction without any indication of a mistake, again we would think something was strange about that person. In both instances, people most likely are not paying that close attention to you, but ultimately we are all observant people. If something out of the norm occurs, our eyes follow that.

Stereotypes and impression are a manner in which we quickly incorporate the information we see into some plausible conclusion. If we had to take the time to evaluate everything we see, do and hear, we would never be able to progress. We tag people with stereotypes because it is easier and faster to label people that way. However, it is not always correct, so what does that do to our thought process? Why is self-presentation and perception so important in today’s society? Is there any way to learn to not care about it as much or is today’s society so drawn towards it that there is no point in trying to change it?

Attitudes are the most important aspect in having a great past, present, and future. One’s attitude reflects everything they do. My career goals are more geared towards corporate life with a wonderful family. Incorporating a positive, fun, and professional attitude towards events that come up will help me achieve my goals of success in life. I’m not perfect. I’m human. Sometimes the negativity consumes me until I snap out of it. I let others’ impressions of me dictate my frustrations until I can process the information and put the unfortunate assumptions behind me. We can’t control, manipulate or force people to change their thoughts. The only way we can morally do this is continue to be true to ourselves with high moral fiber.

The construction of “attitude” is a fundamental aspect of social psychology. Attitude is relevant in every person’s life because if you have a bad attitude than your life will be forever miserable. However, positive attitudes will encourage others to be positive and it will be more fulfilling for one’s self. I love seeing people “pay it forward.” Do good for one person in hopes they’ll proceed to do the same for someone else. Maybe even an onlooker will start their own “pay it forward” attitude. For example, next time you’re in a Starbucks drive thru, pay for the person’s drink behind you. I was brought up to have a good attitude towards whatever life throws at me. For any career path, we juggle many obstacles, achievements, forks in the road, and decisions. Learning more about attitudes will instill a better understanding to respond and react to those around us.

Our self today is different, even if only subtly, from our self of yesterday. This is true because people don’t do the exact same thing every single day. They have to experience something or someone different that influences one’s self. Self-concept goes along with this as it is written and rewritten for ourselves throughout our whole lives – “a little change here, a small alteration there, most of the time so insignificant that no one notices, least of all us." Sometimes when we are recreating our self-concept, those important to us will shape our modifications. At the same time, if those close to us disapprove the changes, we go back to our original self-concept. Self-awareness and self-regulation helps us define who we are and who we want to be.

Self-presentation between public and private self-awareness. Private self-aware people are more understanding of themselves and are more than willing to share that knowledge with friends and loved ones. People are more likely to adhere to their personal standards. Yet, public self-aware people are more apt to judge others because they are more self-conscious of themselves. Social standards are the main concern for those who are publicly self-aware.

Self-esteem is the evaluation of the “me” aspect. I have learned to find that people with low self-esteem generally do not see themselves as useless, scum. Instead, they are people who evaluate themselves more neutrally than those who are very positive or negative. Generally, though, people with low self-esteems are more unhappy, pessimistic, and less willing to take risks. They are also less likely to be physically healthy or have successful careers. Low self-esteem people are more likely to encounter academic and financial problems. People like to be accepted and most will do things to decrease the likelihood of rejection, so they counter act the "low self-esteem" in themselves.

Live boldly challenging status quo!

Pandora current song: Torn, Creed

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