Perspective | How do you view yourself?

One random day at a work function a woman came up to me and said “you’re a really good speaker”. Of course I made a face and asked if she’s sure she got the right person. Then she went on to mention the very things I presented on, and how impressed she was because looking at my size she wouldn’t imagine a voice like that. Meanwhile I’m still standing next to her confused.

Another random day, a gentleman who is frequently at our office came up to me and asked flat-out if I don’t speak. FYI: I’m very quiet and hardly speak unless spoken to, exceptions for pleasantries. I explained that to him and he went on to say how strong of a voice I had and that I should use it more. Once again completely confused.

Were they both talking about me? because to my knowledge they must have me completely confused with someone. You see, as I mentioned before I’m very quiet and keep to myself on most occasions. I also hate public speaking and have since high school; I was terrible at it throughout college and gradually got better during university. I did many things to control my anxiety in order to present what I had to. There were two classes which were solely based on presentations and others which called for it at the end of semester, no way I was about to let my grade slip.

Anyway, the whole point of this was to see the way in which I view myself versus how others view me. What they clearly saw was an act for me to get through situations I have to be in, but also an incredible potential. Most of the time that’s what happens, others will see our potential even before we can.

When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

I know there’s a lot of emphasis placed on not caring about what others think of you, but in a positive sense has anyone else’s perspective of you changed your behavior? 

P.S Stop being so hard on yourself.