Don’t take “verbal shortcuts.” That’s when you want to be thought of a certain way, so you say it instead of being that way until other people say it.
For example: if you want to be thought of as generous, then give. Give until people say you’re generous. But don’t just call yourself generous.
The verbal shortcut is a bad path. It makes people think things about you, all right. But not the things you’re aiming for.
Here’s a good general rule: don’t describe yourself, except to yourself. Talk to the person in the mirror about what you want to be, and be it. Other people will see it and say it – or they won’t. But you’ll sleep a just sleep, and that’s enough.
The Opportunity Machine 