This has been bothering me for quite some time now. As I notice, many people try to act good, look good and impress other people. Yet they fail at being authentic. Let me explain.
One time, I was walking in Makati, going to Entrepreneur class. I bumped into a college friend and caught up about what's going on with each others' lives. But then I said, I have this idea of putting up a school. He seems to be interested in it because he said he wanted to teach. Even told me that it has been a dream of him to teach. We both grew in the same province. And we both want to change the way some subjects in school was taught. I told him, I would contact him if I pushed through with the idea.
I contacted him the next day and guess what? No reply.
Another time, I admire the professor at a school I went into. Having to commute for 2 hours just to get to school, I always go to school early to avoid traffic. I was 2 hours early this time and I found myself waiting with the teacher I admire. Only the 2 of us standing, waiting for the janitor to arrive for the key to the school.
It was my chance to pick the brain of this teacher. I wanted to have a conversation. Because in class, he was very chatty and friendly and always giving advice. But I was disappointed to realize that when outside, he was a different person. Every question I asked was answered with short answers. You know, when you want people to stop bugging you and you answer them back with short "yes", "no" and "maybe" answers? Something like that.
I have experienced a lot more of this kind situations in the past. Makes me think if the problem was with me and not other people.
I have a theory that people will put on a mask. And every time the situation is non threatening, or has no social pressure, they will put the mask down and reveal their true self. The mask was so that everyone would look at them in good light, more intelligent, etc. Like when you have to be good at the office, even if someone is pushing you around. That's the kind of mask what I'm talking about. A mask you put on when you arrive at the alumni homecoming. Projecting yourself that you're more successful than everybody else. Which is kind of sad when you think about it. Life is too short to live like that. And even if you think that you are doing no harm. People who believe in your mask thought that you can be a good friend or a lover or a teacher. You'll only break their heart when they found out.
Why is it so hard for everyone to just be themselves?
This is no different in the business setting. Investing in stocks is also one of the reason why you should be careful at this. CEO's and leaders of companies do put on a mask. Either to hide an anomaly or to gain investor confidence. You should always be wary of such people.
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