Often people hear a name and then they search through all their life experiences of others who had similar names. Such as David or Cindy. They might remember a David from the sports team in High School, one from a non-profit group they volunteered on or even some they very much admire with that name. Or they might have had a few bad or unfortunate experiences with someone who went by that name? How about Cindy? Well maybe their sister in law is named Cindy and they remember her from a family get together, maybe they once knew a girl in college named Cindy or even a co-worker. The question is when you study names and think of people by their name you mind automatically does this and you need to fight that temptation if you are to give the person the benefit of the doubt. But what is in a name? Well, a lot says psychology researchers. I recently had my name done; Lance Winslow to see if these generalizations fit my current personality. The researcher told be that the name Lance Winslow actually brings up images and thoughts of Sir Lancelot the story and the lance that knights use to use and that mostly these would be considered positive images and thus that would be good for how people would initially make contact. The name Lance Winslow of course is a two-part deal just like if it were Cindy Johnson or David Baker. In the case of Baker it could bring up that of an image of a baker or those who follow politics of a certain age; James Baker. In the case of Lance Winslow, the Winslow could seem somewhat aristocratic and might turn people off or it might sound like nobility especially with the lance in front of it. It could open up doors or turn people off said the psychologist, as people although attempt not to be prejudicial often are without thinking of it. So, how one uses their name and approaches others is also important, If you name has power letters in it like F for Frank or P for Paul one has to play down the tone of ones voice. In the case of a Lance Winslow, I was told to be careful not to make people feel inferior and also attempt to live up to the high image of a Lance Winslow like Lancelot? Yah, like that is going to be easy. But in the end the psychologist told me it is essential for me to put people at ease. So, my question to you is what is your name and have you had you name done? What might people think of you before they ever even meet you simply because of a name? Consider all this in 2006. My name is Lance Winslow and thanks for listening. |
