I attended my alma matter’s alumni gathering with my wife and sister and one conversation we had (of course, we had a number) struck me - mirroring. We argued about how people tend to reflect others unconsciously for various reasons. One example that cropped up a couple of times (and we made fun of) was the mirroring of linguistics (accents, slangs etc)
Wikipedia defines Mirroring as the behaviour in which one person unconsciously imitates the gesture, speech pattern, or attitude of another. Mirroring often occurs in social situations, particularly in the company of close friends or family. Mirroring can also happen when you aspire to be like someone. We can unconsciously mirror others to build rapport or gain similar certain advantages enjoyed by others.
As with everything in the world, there are good and bad sides to almost everything. Mirroring comes with its pros and cons. I am going to specifically focus on the cons today.
When you consistently mirror something consciously, or not, you then form a habit. Because habits form over time, they also take time to break, especially bad habits.
It’s amazing how many negatives can be mirrored - scowls, negative body language, unusual phrases, unhealthy eating, limiting yourself, inexpressiveness, overuse of sarcasm, inability to admit being wrong, worry etc.
Evaluate yourself today, what habits have formed from mirroring others? Which of them has been effective? Which has been bad?
Practice being aware. Being aware of our thoughts and actions. Stop being robotic and be aware of your routine(s). Besides, you might also experience things in a new way, life is meant to be experienced.
No one is perfect, I for one, have had to shed, and I’m continually shedding the negatives that I have mirrored over time. So take the challenge with me, shed a bad habit today!