The great Maya Angelou famously said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.”

The first time I heard this quote was my matrix moment. It unlocked everything. Since it is reasonably straight forward, there is no need to unpack the quote, but I do want to explain what it means to me.

Don’t expect people to be something other than what they reveal themselves to be.

If someone shows up for you, you can expect they will show up for you again. If someone takes advantage of you, you can expect they will try to take advantage of you again.

The idea is not so much about judging others; it is about understanding and managing expectations in your relationships, both professional and personal.

But, you can also use this advice as a personal compass.

I’ve blogged before about my belief that you have the time to do what you want to do. And what you choose to spend your time on, reveals who you are and what you value.

So, when you show yourself who you are, believe yourself. Then, if you don’t like what you see, change it.

Ok, that’s all for today. Good luck out there!

#CreateSomethingGreat

Photo by lalesh aldarwish from Pexels