One day my wife accused me of “reaching” for blog topics while we were at the supermarket. When I told her that you can find ideas anywhere, she challenged me to write a blog post about some oranges we saw on display. It’s taken a while, but I feel I’ve finally found an idea for that challenge. Here goes nothing!
I firmly believe in the importance of making yourself superficially attractive to others. I’ve blogged in the past about the benefits of making yourself likable. There’s no doubt that dressing professionally and presenting yourself well can go a long way. First impressions are how you get your foot in the door. This is your style.
But what about your substance? Once people get past your superficial attractiveness, will they still be attracted to you? Maybe you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? Do you do a good job? Do you show up? Do you keep your promises? Are you two-faced and manipulative? There is great value in style, but you have to have the substance to back it up. Just as fraud businesses will eventually be found out, so will your fraud personality. Strive to be real, strive to be legit.
So what does this have to do with an orange? When you’re shopping for oranges at the supermarket, unless free samples are being given out, you’re going to make your decision based on superficial aspects. You’re going to look at the peel. Is it clear or bruised? Is it firm or soft? Does it look as if it’s going to taste good? If it does, you’re likely to buy. The peel is the orange’s style.
But what about when you take the orange home and you remove the peel? Now you’re down to the fruit — the substance. This is the real test. If the orange tastes sweet and refreshing, you’re happy with your purchase. But if it’s bland and unappetizing, you’re going to spit it out and never buy that brand of orange again.
What happens when people get past your superficial attractiveness and get down to your substance? Are you still attractive to them? When people befriend you or hire you, will they be happy with their decision and time they’ve invested in you? Do you leave people feeling refreshed, or do you leave a bad taste in their mouths?
Pingback: Jake LaCaze
Pingback: Jake LaCaze