We exert a lot of physical and emotional energy trying to please other people. Whether it is keeping up with the Jones'; trying to impress our boss; or just generally concerning ourselves with what somebody else might think - I wonder how much time and energy is spent in living up to others expectations.
We need to live our lives with character, integrity, honesty and values; but those values should be based on who we are deep down inside, not the values that someone else tries to impose upon us. Years ago a friend and business colleague shared this poem with me. I think it conveys this idea of being true to yourself.
The Man in the Glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in you life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum
And think you’re a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.
He’s the fellow to please-never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
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