We’re at a week long event and are half way through a 13 hour day. Our smiles are big and our game faces are on; full bright smiles to greet our people and a willingness to help. The only problem? The shoes I’ve chosen for the day are killing my feet.
I slip my shoes off and wiggle my toes. There are no customers nearby, so my oohs and ahhhs are noteworthy. So much so that darling sidekick noticed immediately.
“What are you doing,” he says “you knows you can’t take your shoes off, b’y!”
My simple response? “Why can’t I? Nobody will notice and if they do it’s not a big deal”
What do hurting feet and shoes have to do with keto and a quest for health? This article is all about the spotlight effect and how YOU stand out in a crowd unwanted spotlight
Pretty much all of us have made a social blunder, where we cringe at yourself weeks after it happened. Everybody must have seen it? They must all be laughing?
As it turns out, you’re totally safe to relax. Most of those people probably don’t remember what happened. Even better than that, they may not have even noticed in the first place. This is where the spotlight effect comes into play
Did you ever walk into a room and feel like all eyes are on you? You’re most likely experiencing the spotlight effect. This is when we drastically over estimate how much people are focusing on us.
In other words, we tend to think there is a spotlight on us at all times, highlighting all of our mistakes or flaws, for all the world to see. In reality, most people are not paying as much attention to you, as they are to themselves. They are focused on what they believe is their own spotlight.
In your world, you’re front and center. In their world, they are. Just as you focus largely on what had significance to you. The same is true for others. alone in a crowd
Alone in a crowd- Sidelined!
The spotlight effect leads us to misjudge situations and make decisions based on our overly inflated feelings of visibility that often side lines us.
Often times we refuse to participate because we’re afraid of being noticed, but this has the opposite effect; Standing on the sidelines in itself will make you stand out and be noticed more. Instead, work towards being a part of the crowd.
This too is normal…
It’s normal to see yourself as the center of your world. But sometimes, this perception can make it seem as if others spend just as much time considering your actions as you do. This is not the case.
This is not to say that others do not notice things about you at all; however, it is more often than not that they don’t process information about you as deeply. While you’re stuck feeling anxious and reliving your embarrassment, it is likely that they have moved on.
Overcoming the spotlight effect can sometimes be as simple as knowing it exists. When you remember everyone around you has their own concerns to focus on), that spotlight probably won’t feel so bright or exaggerated.
The Bottom Line
Even when you take a wrong step, or say the wrong words, far fewer people than you imagine will actually notice. And those who do? They likely won’t remember for long.
Engage people with a sincere smile and people will remember you, but they’ll probably remember your positive attitude more than any faux pas on your part.
Back at that event…
Back at that event, I knew the spotlight wasn’t on me or my feet. My toes were much more comfortable all day and not one person noticed/mentioned it. If they did, nobody cared, not one little bit.
The next time you think the world is shining a spotlight on a mistake you have made, relax. It is much more likely that no one noticed. Remind yourself of the spotlight effect, smile your biggest smile and carry on.
That’s it for this time! Thanks for joining me for another East Coast Keto Life Lesson. There’s still a lot to learn and we’re glad you’re along for the ride!
Keep Keto-ing with one foot in front of the other. Keto seconds lead to keto moments, Keto moments lead to keto days. Keto days will take you on a successful keto journey life time. We’ll meet you THERE!!
