Ninety percent of the politicians give the other ten percent a bad reputation." -Henry Kissinger, American Politician and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Henry Kissinger books//

How important is your reputation? Most people want to be known for something good, like honesty, fairness, strength, integrity and kindness. No matter how hard you work at living a good life, it may not guarantee that your reputation is secure. I'm not saying it's right, but people tend to judge you by many things, including the company you keep.

Kissinger alludes to a common perception, which is 'all politicians are liars and crooks.' Rational people know there are some politicians with integrity, and "ninety percent" is probably not an accurate reflection of those who lie, cheat and steal. The corrupt acts of a few politicians garner fifty times the media attention than good deeds or moral decisions. Thus, the negative reputation of politicians as a whole is accepted by the majority of average citizens.

When it comes to reputation, perception is reality in the minds of most. Therefore, if your group of friends, associates, co-workers, affiliates and even family members are negatively perceived, then your reputation will be tarnished in the eyes of others. Is it fair? Absolutely not! It is reality though.

So, does this mean that you should distance yourself from those that lessen your reputation? It depends. If you're running with a gang of hoodlums, then maybe you should. However, as in the example of being a politician, it may be more beneficial not to worry what other people think and simply prove them wrong by your own actions.

You can control how others perceive you, but some of the choices you may be required to make are not worth it to positively alter false perceptions. Reputation is important, but not at all costs. Consistently living your life with integrity will enable you to feel at peace with yourself, which is far more important than trying to change the perceptions and labels associated with your friends, family or groups.

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Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.