"Sé como deseas parecer."

"Be as you wish to seem" is all about the idea of authenticity. It's saying that the way you present yourself to the world should match who you truly are on the inside. If you want people to see you as kind, be kind. If you want to be seen as brave, act bravely. Essentially, it's about aligning your actions with your desired identity.

This idea has roots in ancient philosophy. The quote is often attributed to Socrates, who was all about searching for genuine virtue and truth. It's a reminder that superficial appearances don't matter as much as genuine character. Back in Socratic times, and even now, people grapple with the gap between who they are and who they want to be. This quote urges us to close that gap.

Imagine you're at work, and you have a colleague who always seems calm and composed. If you dig deeper, you might find out that they practice mindfulness every morning, which helps them stay centered throughout the day. This practice isn’t for show—it genuinely makes them the calm person they appear to be. They're not just putting on a facade; their actions align with their appearance.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by identifying how you wish to seem. Do you want to be seen as generous? Then, look for opportunities to give, not just in big ways but in small, everyday moments. It could be as simple as offering a listening ear to a friend or volunteering your time. The key is consistency. You can't expect people to see you as generous if you only do one grand gesture. It’s the little, regular acts that build a true image.

Now, let’s get a bit more personal. Think about John, a high school teacher. John wants his students to respect him, not just because he's the teacher, but because they genuinely see him as a role model. Instead of just demanding respect, John shows up prepared, treats his students with respect, and listens to their concerns. When he makes mistakes, he owns up to them. Over time, his students start to respect him—not out of obligation, but because they see him as someone worthy of their respect. John is being as he wishes to seem.

In your own life, consider a relatable scenario. Imagine you want to be seen as a reliable friend. Don't just tell people you’re dependable—show it. When you say you’ll be there for someone, follow through. If you promise to help someone move, set aside the time and show up ready to haul boxes. Your actions will speak louder than any words, and people will start to see you as that rock-solid friend they can always count on.

Remember, it's about consistency and genuine effort. We all have days when we fall short of our ideals—that's part of being human. The trick is to keep striving for that alignment between who you are and who you want to be. So, the next time you find yourself wanting to seem a certain way, ask yourself: Are my actions reflecting that? If not, what can I do to bridge that gap? It’s a journey, but one worth taking.