Stop Wearing the Mask You Wear in Public

Let’s talk about your mask. You have a disposition about you. You present it when you’re in public and you use it to control people’s interpretation of who you are. Your mask resembles what you want and hides what you don’t want people to notice about you. It’s your subconscious effort to hide the things about you that you have determined are your embarrassing, less attractive, or shameful attributes. You’re hiding something you did in the past, certain habits, or behaviors that, while normal for you, you feel are unacceptable to others and that you don’t want to be associated with. This masks you uncomfortable.

Pride plays a part in your disguise. You don’t want people to notice your flaws or judge you for your particular ways. Don’t worry, pride can be overcome.

People’s interpretation: Don’t you wonder what others think when they’re around? I can help you find out.

“It’s your subconscious effort to hide the things about you that you have determined are your embarrassing, less attractive, or shameful attributes.” (This isn’t necessarily what others believe, it’s just you in most cases)

I don’t want to be uncomfortable in front of these people…

What is your mask made of? How elaborate is it? What’s the shape and texture?

Your mask is most likely the opposite of what you’re concealing. Reading through the few examples of elements you may be subconsciously shuffling through to present in your mask, you can see how complex your mask may be.

Violence – kindness, Professionalism – laziness, Joy – sadness, Trust – disgust, Anger – fear, Anticipation – surprise, Ecstasy – grief, Frustrated – happy, Admiration – loathing, Rage – terror, Vigilance – amazement, Calm – angry, Bored – excited, Hate – love, Courage – fear, Confidence – insecurity

Everyone experiences loneliness, shame, and suffering… how you deal with loneliness, conceal shame, and push through your suffering is the measure of intensity that your mask must perform to hide it. Some masking is extremely exhausting, which is why you avoid going places, attending large group gatherings, hanging out in public spaces, and especially public speaking.

How would you describe your level of self-control? A person with self-control is disciplined. They are mostly identified as trustworthy. Would you like to have more self-control?

How do you earn friends, gain rewards, and keep yourself safe? These are the things you’ve been doing since you were 8 or 9 years old. They are also the observable behaviors that bleed through your mask over time and make you noticeable (no longer able to hide).

Swapping masks: If you’re a mask swapper, you’ll put this mask on for that person or that mask on for those people. You are a Chameleon.

The answer to all of the mask talk is this: Put some energy into improving your self-image. This takes time, so make an appointment with yourself and evaluate what it is that you are hiding, identify the things you may be ashamed of, and complete a good list inventory of those uncomfortable things you cover up with different audiences.

If this is hard to accomplish on your own, contact me and I’ll help you get to that point where you can then start to get to know those attributes that you’re not comfortable with so that you can step out from behind the mask and present your message.

Schedule a free Consultation

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Focus on Freedom not Fear