PUTTING ONE’S BEST FOOT FORWARD

Thanks to the internet and The Idiom Site I was able to get a glimpse into the derivation of the phrase “Put one’s best foot forward.” Whether found in Shakespeare’s writings or Sir Thomas Overbury’s poem, “A Wife”, the expression appears to come on to the scene in the late 16th Century. In both instances it conveys the idea that when one sets out on a journey, be it for love or some other end result, lead with the best version of yourself. Get off on the right foot!

First impressions have always meant a great deal to society and people tend to make judgements about each other in split seconds. With the advent of social media this now happens millions of times each and every day. For good or for bad, we do judge books by their covers, movies by their trailers and people by an initial feeling. So, why do we need to be so intentional about getting off on the right foot?

Because love is not blind. We are intentional at keeping our hearts and heads involved. ?I want the object of my affection to see me at my best so that they choose to be with me above all other options. I know people are making rapid judgements, so I don’t burp. I don’t tell off-color jokes. I’m as polite as I can be. I ask about them. I listen intently to their answers. I compliment their insights. I am fascinated with not only what they say but how they say it. ?People are taking in whatever I display, and everything I do should be with the knowledge of that.

Contrast this against letting your hair down or putting your guard down. Over time, after having worked so hard to be someone’s everything, the more the complete us starts to emerge, with all of our quirks and faults. You may hope that the earlier glimpses of you were sufficient enough to keep their fascination, loyalty, and love. However, it may not be. So, don’t take love for granted.

The real challenge is to keep your love of God, country, cause, organization, family, friends, another, or of an end result in the forefront of your mind so that the authentic you, moves you closer to the potential you. When this happens, you won’t need to try to conceal your quirks or faults. My best performances have never come about during a love of self-moment. They come with a loving focus on someone or something else. When you’re real and really growing you can lead with either foot.

Loving yourself is important, but the key to enduring peak performance, whether on or off the job, is finding reasons to love someone or something else.