How you see yourself

I often wonder how other people see me.  What do other people think I am like?  What role or character do I play within any given group?

I had a co-worker tell me earlier this week that I was good with people (or a people-person, I don't remember the exact phrase) and that came as a shock to me.  I see myself as very shy, reserved, quite, calm, an observer, a blend into the background type of person.  I am not very articulate and TERRIBLE at public speaking.  I get anxious in many (most) social situations.

This week, for a couple of hours a day, I was supposed to have a new employee sit over my shoulder and I was supposed to show him the ropes, explain certain processes, answer his questions, etc.  This kind of terrified me.  Terrified may be too strong a word, but I was nervous/uncomfortable about doing it, even though I've done it several times in the past.  It doesn't really seem to get any easier for me.

I commented to my co-worker that I didn't know why they chose me to be the one to assist this new employee.  His quick response was what I mentioned above.  It made me wonder if he was the only one that thought this, or if that was the general consensus of those around me.

There is a saying that goes, "what matters most is how you see yourself." Most people do care about how other people see them, what other people think of them. They want to make a good impression and to be well-liked. All that does matter, but what is most important is how you see yourself. This will directly impact how you act, what you do, what you can accomplish, etc. If you don't see your potential, or all the great qualities you possess, you can never reach your full potential. And, it will probably be a lot harder for other people to see those things in you as well.

I don't imagine I'm the only one that sees themselves differently than others see them.  Have you had someone make a comment on your character or personality that you were shocked to hear? When you look in the mirror, what do you see?