A Lesson on Image and Values

Lately I've been wondering about the definition of "image" in the world today and what it entails. For instance, does one derive their image from the face that peers back in the mirror, or is it from within - an idea of oneself - or maybe even a combination of both? I came across what I feel is the truth while running with my good friend David.

We were discussing why people still weight lift excessively if their career has nothing to do with having muscle, such as a desk job. My view was that they built their muscle to achieve the image that they were trying to convey to the world. His view was that it was because it was still instinctual to build muscle and have broader shoulders to attract females. While it may be a bit of both, the concept still remains: they were building muscle to build their image. While building muscle may build image in one manner, it could be completely destroyed by a car crash or some kind of accident. It was "destroyable image," or image that is temporary. Image should be based on something better, something lasting.

For myself, bulk weight lifting sounds like something I would like to do, but makes no sense for my career and life choices. I will always continue to exercise in one manner or another because it is a priority. It will give me energy to build my business by being fit and increasing my metabolism; in other words, I have an undeniable logic behind my choice. Image based on logic is very important, which is how I discovered the truth: the only things that cannot be destroyed by this world are our souls and our values.

Since I feel inadequate to talk about the human soul, I focused purely on developing how values are important AND indestructible. Values determine our priorities, which in turn determine our choices we make on a daily basis. If our values are not set in stone, we have no basis on which to determine what the most important things in life are, which will make decision making impossible. An important person in my life once told me, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything," and I finally believe it.

Do you know your values off the top of your head? Can you give me a list of your priorities everyday, or what you want to accomplish?

I can't motivate you to change - only you can do that. But I can inspire you through the changes I make in my life.

Todd Terwillegar is owner of Entrepreneurs&Business Marketing Firm in Michigan, and focuses on personal success development with those willing to make the necessary changes within to change the world at large.