"It's better to be looked over than overlooked."

Being noticed is far better than being ignored. That’s the core of this quote. Essentially, it's saying that even if people are scrutinizing you—the way you dress, the way you speak, or the decisions you make—it's still preferable to being invisible. Think about it: if nobody pays attention to you, you miss out on opportunities to connect, to influence, to make a mark.

The phrase is often attributed to Mae West, a Hollywood icon known for her bold personality and even bolder statements. She was a trailblazer in an era when women weren't expected to make waves. So, it made sense for her to champion the idea of being noticed. Better to be a topic of conversation—even if it's sometimes critical—than to blend so seamlessly into the background that nobody even knows you're there.

Imagine you’re at a job interview. You’ve got two choices: play it safe with generic answers, or take a risk by sharing a unique experience that showcases your personality. The safe route might keep you out of the danger zone, but will the interviewer remember you? Not likely. Now, say you tell a story about a time you led a project that failed spectacularly, but you learned invaluable lessons and bounced back stronger. It’s a gamble, but it’s more memorable. You might be looked over critically, but you definitely won’t be overlooked.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by embracing your individuality. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Dress the way you want, speak your mind, and take on projects that challenge you—even if you might fail. Taking risks means you’ll be noticed. It means people will have opinions about you, sure, but it also means you’ll open yourself up to new opportunities that wouldn’t come your way if you stayed invisible.

Think about a student in class. You know the type—the one who always raises their hand, even if their answer isn’t always right. That student is actively engaging, making sure the teacher notices them. They might get some eye-rolls from classmates, but they also get more feedback, more interaction, and often, a better understanding of the material because they’re willing to put themselves out there. Compare that to the student who never speaks up, who might know the answers but prefers to stay quiet. Who do you think the teacher will remember when it comes time to write recommendations?

To make this real for you, let’s say you’re at a networking event. It’s packed, buzzing with chatter, and you feel like a small fish in a big pond. You could stick to the edges, only talking to the couple of people you already know. Or you could take a deep breath, approach a group, and introduce yourself. Yes, it’s intimidating. Yes, you might say something awkward. But you’ll be remembered. And who knows? That awkward introduction might lead to a fantastic conversation, a new contact, or even a job offer down the line.

So, don’t shrink away. Step into the spotlight, even if it means some people will scrutinize you. Being looked over might be uncomfortable at times, but being overlooked? That’s far worse.