What You See Is What You Get

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "What you see is what you get." It has been used for a long time, in a variety of ways including song lyrics. It is popular today with computer tools. The letters of the phrase form the acronym, "WYSIWYG." In referring to computers, " WYSIWYG," or "what you see is what you get," is used to describe a system in which content during editing appears very similar to the final product.

So, how about when you look into the mirror? Who do you see? Just who is that person? Have you ever just stopped for a few minutes and stared into the mirror? I'm not talking about fixing your hair or adjusting your clothing.

I'm talking about staring right into the mirror.

Who do you see? What do you think of that person? Do you like who you see? Is that person headed for success, or failure in life? Is that person just getting by day after day?

What has that person accomplished that is impressive to you? Do you admire that person?

Now I am sure that there are a number of people that you admire. Have you ever considered just why you admire them? What is it about them that you find appealing enough to admire them? There must be reasons why you hold them in such high esteem that you admire them. Just what is it about them?

Do you know all the faults, weaknesses and shortcomings of the people that you admire? Is that what you admire about them?

Okay, so now back to the mirror. Do you admire the person you see in the mirror? Well, why not? Is it because they have not achieved a level that would warrant your admiration? Or, is it that you know all too well all their failings and shortcomings? Is that what you see when you look into the mirror, failures and shortcomings?

If that's true, then stay at the mirror for just a bit longer. Do you have any compliments for the person in the mirror? You must have a least one! You've known that person for a really long time. Surely, there must something you can bring to mind about them that is positive and complimentary.

How about another compliment? And another? Yes, there are indeed things that the person in the mirror has done that are worthy of your praise! In fact, there are a lot of things. So, why not give them a compliment? Say it!

What? Yes, say it: "I'm proud of you for doing that." I'm really impressed at the way you handled that situation." "You know, you really are good at that." Why do we think that it is just fine and normal to beat ourselves up for our failures and shortcomings, but somehow think that it is egotistical to recognize and acknowledge our successes? I think we've got it all backwards!

Often, when people look into the mirror they see failures, shortcomings, and weaknesses. That's what they see because that's the picture of themselves that they carry around day after day after day.

The picture that we carry of ourselves is the one that we have painted by our own self-talk. The things that we think and say about ourselves are the paint that we have chosen to put on the canvas. And, what you see is what you get. The picture that you carry of yourself is what you will manifest and evidence in your life. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he!" Our consistent thoughts about ourselves and the emotions they evoke will eventually move into our belief system. Our lives today are a product of our own belief system.

The good news is that if we want to, we can change our belief system, and thus change our lives.

A great starting point, or, a simple method to help in that process, is to compliment the person looking back at you whenever you look into the mirror. Remind them of past successes, not past failures. Remind them of the good things that they have done, not the bad. Remind them that with God's help there is no stopping them, for He has promised to give us the desires of our hearts.

This simple method, along with guarding the things that you think and say about yourself, will help you greatly in changing your belief system so that you can truly be the person you desire to be.

What you see is what you get!

Why do we think that it is just fine and normal to beat ourselves up for our failures and shortcomings, but somehow think that it is egotistical to recognize and acknowledge our successes? I think we've got it all backwards!

Listen to one of Michael A. Verdicchio's Pep Talks at http://www.MikesPepTalks.com/christians1free.html Michael has a free newsletter called, THE PEP LETTER, at http://www.christianinspirationalgifts.com/pepletter.html . Michael is a husband, father, minister, author, and broadcaster. He has been the voice on numerous productions over the years.

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