“How do you see yourself? “may seem a strange question–especially when the topic is communication, but strange as it may see, communication begins with how you see you.

It’s important to understand how we see ourselves because it affects our actions and our speaking. If you’re a person who considers yourself dependable, then when you have a task with a deadline, you’ll get the job done on time even if you need to stay up all night to do it.

It matters whether you see yourself as a person who never gets breaks, or a person who is capable of getting what s/he wants. That difference is reflected in the way you carry yourself, the words you use, and the confidence you show. Make no mistake, other people pick up on the message behind your words.

Your mental picture of yourself also affects how you interpret what is said to you. If you don’t believe you are a person other people like, then every time you issue a request that is denied, you will take it as a personal rejection rather than look at the true reason for the refusal. That interpretation will then reinforce the belief you hold.

To be most effective when you speak, you need to become aware of what you believe–especially about yourself. If what you believe doesn’t serve you, change it to a belief that will.

The wise philosopher, William James, had this to say about beliefs, To perceive the world differently, we must be willing to change our belief system, let the past slip away, expand our sense of now, and dissolve the fear in our minds.