No One Saw You Blink

 “You’ll worry less about what people think about you when you realize how seldom they do.” -Olin Miller

Spotlight Syndrome remains one of my favorite phenomena. It’s equally deflating and liberating. The realization that most people, including the people in close proximity to you, aren’t paying attention to you can be a blow to the ego.

Have you ever taken a group photo? There is a near perfect correlation between someone saying a group photo looks good and that individual looking good in the photo. Doesn’t matter how many people have their eyes closed, are mid sneeze, or even looking the other way. The only person that matters in the photo is the person looking at the photo.

It’s difficult not to project your worldview on everyone around you. While you are the center of your own universe, it’s an important reminder you are simply a planet orbiting everyone else’s unique sun. A part of their world, but an afterthought. So don’t worry so much about the opinion of others, you may ruin the photo, but it will only be ruined for you.