In this early 90s commercial, Andre Agassi, a famous tennis player once said, “Image is Everything.”  He was a celebrity that seem to care more about partying & his hair, instead of his game.  Looking back, it’s easy to laugh at the corniness.

But the reality is that in many competitive arena today, such as sports, politics, and business, people still cultivate carefully manicured images through words, wardrobe, & possessions.  The aim is to create favorable impressions from others.  But is it authentic?  The answer for many unfortunately is no.  Now I’m not saying that people should be slobs.  I applaud people for taking care of their looks.  But I am saying that often times the exterior image puts up a wall that prevents us from truly connect with others.  It places more importance on how other people might perceive us, instead of how we really are with flaws, and all.  So show some your vulnerabilities.  The risk might not be as bad as you think.  While the reward might outweigh whatever flashy image might help you attain.

Agassi eventually did become a lot more authentic.  He shaved his head, and focused more on his game, and married the second time a woman who care more about him, instead his fame.  He ended up winning many more times, both on and off the court.  Read more about his fascinating story here.