Reputation: overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general, as told by Merriam-Webster dictionary.

Growing up as a kid, parents always emphasized that your actions matter. Your actions matter in the household, in a school setting, on the field, in a grocery store, everywhere. Not only because they affect other people, but because someone is always watching. Your character is always being noticed. Hence, the emphasis on the need for originality - your originality is what allows you to stand apart from others.

As a young kid those phrases may have seemed redundant from your teacher telling you, to your athletic coach, and then from your parents. Although, as a kid you know nothing better than to be yourself.

Growing out of childhood times is when people start to lose their originality and get wrapped up about their so-called reputation.

The common thoughts of most teens consisting of: Am I considered "cool"? Do people think I am "popular"? I'm not a "loser", or am I?

Well, hate to break it to you, but you are better off being yourself and then from there worrying about your reputation.

Don't conform to what others tell you is considered "cool".

Don't do things you don't want to because it seems like the majority of the population is.

Always think of what your mother, teacher, and coaches use to tell you: be different.

Who cares what others think, not you!

Be content with yourself, how you feel, and how you differ from others. At the end of the day, your feelings about yourself is what matters the most.