How To Manage People's Perception Of YouSample

Have you ever taken a personality test? 

If so, the results probably confirmed you have certain skills, traits, tendencies and ways of working that make you, you. 

But any such test can only go so deep into who you really are. It can’t determine your hurts, fears, heart’s desires, or life goals; it doesn’t reveal what your night was like last night, or the family issue you may be dealing with. 

I believe there are three different versions of you. (I know, one of you is enough for the world to handle!) The Venn diagram below will help you visualize the three different personas – or “selves” – we all have. 

The circle on the top represents your first self. Think of a novel where the author tells the story from the first person, or “I” perspective. I did this, I said that. Everything is experienced from the main character’s point of view.

Your first person is made up of the memories, issues, stresses and dreams that mix with your emotions and moods. It’s what’s going on inside you at any given moment, out of the direct view of others. It’s your point of view on what’s happening around you. 

Your first self is your thought-life.

There is another you that is very different. Tomorrow we’ll see how this other person compensates for the thoughts we can’t afford to let out.