1Some situations genuinely run on how you are seen. A job interview, a court hearing, a first meeting with in-laws: the image matters there, and it is honest to say so.
The claim is only that most of life is not one of those, and that the fear of disrespect is far larger than its actual cost. Keeping the exceptions in view protects the whole point. Any way of thinking that says it covers everything gets thrown out the first time it obviously does not.
Islamic evidence
Uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves (Quran 4:135). Saying the part that weakens your own case is set as the standard rather than the exception.
“You who believe, uphold justice and bear witness to God, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your close relatives. Whether the person is rich or poor, God can best take care of both. Refrain from following your own desire, so that you can act…”
Qur'an 4:135
Psychological evidence
In two studies of American and British citizens, anger, guilt and shame about their country's actions predicted opposition to those actions, and a threat to the country's image changed which of those feelings dominated. Image threat is a real thing that shifts how people respond, at least at the level of a group. Those were survey and experimental studies about national identity, so carry them across to a job interview carefully.
Iyer A, Schmader T, Lickel B. (2007). Personality & social psychology bulletin · doi
Review detail
Why it works. A claim with honest limits is one you can still use when the limits turn up.
Feedback
none yet2Your body gets up in the morning and your mind often does not. Half a day can go by in a sort of waking dream, and whatever meets you in it gets the sleepwalker's answer.
So make waking the moment you decide something, before the day has handed you anything to react to. Thirty seconds on the edge of the bed will do: today I will notice once before I answer. Hanging it on something that already happens every morning means you never have to remember to find a time for it.
Islamic evidence
Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that God should forgive you? (Quran 24:22). Deciding to overlook things is far easier at the start of a day than in the middle of one, while nobody has done anything yet.
“Those who have been graced with bounty and plenty should not swear that they will [no longer] give to kinsmen, the poor, those who emigrated in God’s way: let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that God should forgive you? God is most forgiving and…”
Qur'an 24:22
Psychological evidence
In a survey of 286 adults aged 18 to 88, older adults reported letting anger out less and dwelling on emotional events less, and those differences related to their well being, which suggests these patterns are not fixed for life. What it cannot tell you is whether a morning intention shifts them, since nobody tested that. It is offered as a reason to think the settings move at all.
Phillips LH, Phillips LH, Henry JD, Hosie JA, Milne AB. (2006). Aging & mental health · doi
Review detail
Why it works. A moment that comes round on its own is the easiest place to hang a new intention.