How Being a Twin Has Shaped My Outlook

Everyone understands that the built-environment in which we grow up in ultimately shapes us as a person. It molds our values, our moral compasses, and even our passions. It brings rationale for why we make certain choices over others and can even inform outcomes before they occur.

With that being said, I’d like to discuss how being a twin has shaped my perspective on life, even in a professional context.

My twin sister, Phoebe, and I have been best friends since the beginning. With her dark brunette hair and mine being blonde, most mistake us as being unrelated.

Always having a playmate, a shoulder to lean on, and someone to share with, Phoebe and I seldom were alone. More than this, there was never a moment when we weren’t thinking of each other. Though being a human means there will be bouts of selfishness, I find that being a twin meant always factoring her into the equation as well.

Therein lies the first attribute of my being today: I am extremely conscious of how my personal decisions will affect others. Before I speak or act, I weigh the potential outcomes that my action will have on others critically, and these predictions determine whether or not I follow through. If the benefit only involves the self, I will reconsider my thought process.

I find that in the business world, decisions must often be swift, so understanding that this attribute is part of my nature, I will be able to exist as a business professional that is not shallow-minded in my role.

The other key attribute that being a twin has taught me: I step outside of my perspective in all aspects of life; understanding that perceptions are essential in informing choices. Growing up, Phoebe and I were often put under a microscope and compared. While this experience was not always positive, it is in the difficult moments that we often learn the most.

I understand that as a result, I am now extremely competent in reading others and anticipating their perspectives, which can be useful in the world of both marketing and health management.

Ultimately, I am grateful for the takeaways being a twin has provided, knowing that I will be able to apply them in a multiplicity of ways into the future.