Personal Thoughts and Observations - First Impressions are Everything?

First impressions are everything...

We tend to classify individuals upon first impression. We do this without conscious recognition. They are either ordinary or extraordinary. We see a man performing in front of a crowd of thousands at a sold out show so he must be extraordinary. How else could he demand such attention? We see a man performing on a street corner or other random free access public location. Surely he must be quite ordinary. Why else wouldn't he be performing in front of a crowd of thousands? What if they are the same man?

Presentation and Perception

It has so much to do with these to things.. It makes me sick. Perhaps you can detect a certain amount of disdain for this fact. One reason is due to the fact that once categorized by an individual it can be extremely difficult to "re-classify" yourself in their eyes. Another reason is a little more personal. I tend to be very soft spoken and unassuming, especially in public and social situations. I rely more on my ability to listen and observe than my ability to speak. For this I have been called awkward, stuck-up, shy, rude and dumb. Not to mention countless other things. I have been told I have "issues", a "problem" or "disorder". All assumptions based on first impressions. My unassuming nature also places me firmly into the realm of "ordinary".

You may be thinking that my point in saying these things is simply to convince you that I am not ordinary and I should be lifted from it's confining nature ascending to the privileged realm of the extraordinary. Next I will explain the reason why I deserve the re-assessment and re-classification. No, Not exactly. My intended message is in fact this:

There is no ordinary

Examine the life of any man or woman and you will find reason to be amazed. Some (usually the quiet ones) may truly astound you! So now I issue you a challenge. Consider who you feel is your most "ordinary" friend, family member, co-worker or general acquaintance. Invite them out for lunch or coffee and some good old fashioned conversation. Find out what makes them extraordinary. I guaranty you there is plenty about them that makes them so. You may be genuinely surprised.