The importance of a name

One Man’s Perspective

I received an email earlier regarding personalized license plates. Personalized plates are growing across Texas where people use their bumpers to express humor, individuality, creativity and self-expression. The group started with a list of over 35,000 different personalized plates narrowed down listing nine series of category awards of their top 27.

Here is a list I picked as my favorite: 8GEN TXN, CMNTAKT, GONE2TX, P8TRIOT, WLVRNE (Michigan plate), LDYJAX (SFA plate), 4ROG (TCU), MYQT3.14 (Reads My Cutie Pie), UBU IBME (You be you, I be me), 4CHUN8 (Fortunate), OMIE(heart)OPA, HNYBNCH, ILVMYWF, KID UBER, FAV SON, GORJESS, WHAT MAP, VANCAVE, 2MNYKDS, CADISHK (Caddyshack), L8R VADR, 2THLESS, 6THMAN (on a Spurs plate), R3DSOX, 1QK PONY, ECOWHAT, and FXIN2GO.

They all say something about that individual, just like someone’s name. In an introduction it is the first thing we learn about. A name can be how or why we choose to interact with that individual.

There is a line from the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare. “That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.” Juliet, prevented from marrying Romeo by the feud between their families, complains that Romeo’s name is all that keeps him from her. Simon Phillip Cowell, a talent judge on American Idol, often says how a person is not so memorable. It could be in the name or the fact the person has no presence or talent. According to an article “What’s in a Name? Everything,” written by Adam Alter, in the corporate world, a simple name is easier to remember than one that is complex. He said, “there is pretty good evidence that over the course of their next 16 plus years of their career, the person with the simpler name will rise up the legal hierarchy more quickly. They will attain partnership more quickly in the middle parts of their career. And by about the eighth or ninth year after graduating from law school the people with simpler names are about seven to ten percent more likely to be partners — which is a striking effect.”

Just mention the name Trump and hear how striking his name will be, either for or against. In either case, we see just how important a name can be.

With Jewish tradition they choose a meaningful name, a name who they want their child to be.

I particularly like how the Native American traditionally name their children. This may no longer be the case, however, their children received names that are descriptive and as they go through life, according to what their life experiences and accomplishments, they get a new name. In some way, I guess, we all do it. When our children are young we give them nicknames. Sometimes they never grow out of it, but sometimes they grow into their given name.

The sense of personal identity and uniqueness that a name gives us is at the heart of why names interest us and why they are important to us as individuals and to our society as a whole.

Where am I going with this? If you have the reputation of being someone you do not want to be, start taking steps into being the person you want to be known by. There are people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time or raised in an atmosphere of negativity. Everyone deserves a second chance so here are a few ideas to take steps in the right direction.

If you are surrounded by a crowd of people always tearing down folks start making new friends who build you up. Don’t turn on your old friends, but don’t try to impress new ones. Be yourself and it is okay if you are not the center of attention. And keep away from gossiping or tearing someone down.

Look into joining a club in the community. Get involved and you will soon discover common interests or develop new ones.

When people look at you, what do they see? How do you want them to see you? You may have to make some adjustments in how you look to reflect the person you want to be. However, do not forget the first rule: Be yourself, just a better you.

In the movie, The Blind Side, SJ informs Big Mike if he wants people to like him he needs to smile. Something so simple yet it is overlooked by many. Smile! You will find people smile back.

Know this, no one is better than you and remember this, you are not better than anyone else. Several responses will generate from this mindset. First, you will have more confidence in yourself and hopefully, in others. Secondly, you will show kindness and respect to others. People are attracted to confidence and people know when someone genuinely cares.

Never be afraid to continue in your education whether through an institution or using the library. Yes, it may require reading and for those who do not like to read, it is different when you are reading about something you are interested in. It will broaden your way of thinking and it will help you to discuss subjects more clearly and intelligently.

And lastly, do not try to hide who you are. Always be honest with yourself by owning up to who you once were and letting people see you have changed. It isn’t easy to change your reputation, but it is not impossible. It will take some time and some courage, but in the end it will be worth it. In time, when people say your name, it will be with the respect it is due.