5 Simple Steps to Make a Good Impression!

This is a follow-up of my last post (Is YOUR image holding YOU back..........?)!

You know, to a great extent, how others see us or their opinions about us are within our own grasp or control but we fail to realize this important reality!

We all want to be admired, we want people to respect us and look up to us, but do we act or behave in such ways that warrants this? More often than not this is not the case and in the bargain we end up blaming any and everything under the sun for our present predicament.

So, what do you do next to change the situation? Simple, follow the 5 simple steps enumerated below, to change people’s opinion of you!

·  Take PRIDE in YOURSELF: You are unique and the skill sets that you possess are second to none. Hold on to this thought. It doesn't matter where you are at the present moment; you need to take pride in who you are and what you do. Your belief in yourself must be unwavering so that you are able to carry yourself with respect and pride!

·  SINCERITY Counts: Artificiality is a mask that can be peeled off anytime, leaving your real self exposed! Keep away from this temporary means of escape. Things like flattery, hollow promises and unnecessary words which we sometimes use just to make an impression can actually be counter-productive. People are smart enough to see through a guise, so be sincere.

·  Be ENTHUSIASTIC: This trait is magnetic. It attracts people towards you and is contagious. People gravitate towards an enthusiastic person, so make it a point to develop this trait in whatever you do.

·  Don't be OVERZEALOUS: In your effort to make a good impression on others, please don't go overboard with the effort! Besides being smart, people are also great skeptics. Your well meaning effort could be construed as something quite the contrary which could land you in quite a spot! Be your own judge and gauge situations.

·  GROW on your OWN merits: Your progress in life is directly proportional to your own efforts! It is of little or no consequence projecting yourself on other peoples’ efforts. Sooner or later the truth is bound to surface and if you have tried to concoct someone else’s efforts as your own, then the resulting beating your image takes will be beyond repair! You don't need to do this. Instead, bring your own skills to the table and learn in the process!

So there you have it. The 5 simple steps that can help you make a good impression! These steps are extremely easy to follow simply because they are ‘simple’. There is no ‘rocket-science’ involved, no seminars/conferences to attend, all you need to do is, make a concerted effort and put the above into practice. It’s all in your hands!

I hope you have enjoyed reading the above as much as I have enjoyed writing it for you. And it is my sincere wish that it may bring positive changes in your life as you put them into practice! Please share with your friends, colleagues and whoever you think can benefit from it.

Till next time, all the very best!

Is YOUR image holding YOU back.............?

You know, our lives have become so mechanised that we tend to take a lot things for granted. Like for instance, every morning we literally stumble out of bed, rush through our morning routines, grab a cup of tea or coffee and off we go to whatever it is we do. 

We are so caught up in the present that we neglect to pay attention to ourselves. This leads to a lot of frustration in our professional lives, especially when it comes to moving up in our chosen fields of engagement. Being frustrated further triggers even more negative thoughts about ourselves and we continue to slip deeper into the maze of self-pity and degradation. Result? The quality of our work suffers, while the vicious circle continues, till the inevitable happens.

So, how do you stem this rot? Simple. Take a long, hard look at your mirror ( preferably full length!). What do you see? Do you like the image that is staring back at you? Come on, I know it is the reflection of your physical self, but tell me, do you really like what you see, especially at this present juncture? Being stuck at a dead-end job with no scope of any career advancement, certainly doesn't warrant any 'likes', even if it is for yourself! 

You need to treat the 'mirror' as your confidante, your true friend. It is inanimate, so what you portray to the world, is being reflected in toto by it. There are no frills attached, no buttering or tweaks to your reflected image in the mirror. It just gives you back what you put in! As simple as that. In fact, it has been trying to communicate with you all the time, but did you pay attention? No, I bet not, else you would not have been in this situation in the first place!

Take some time out, stand in front of your mirror and give yourself a microscopic, physical image scrutiny. Start from your hair and work down to your feet. Ask yourself - "what do I need to change in my physical appearance so that I present myself better?" It will surprise you at the things you ought to change when you do an unbiased self-appraisal! 

How about trying the following:

• Your hairstyle: Maybe its time you wore your hair in a different style. Let people take a second look at you and figure out.
• Dress Code: Have you been too casual with your wardrobe? Why not try out something that is more formal and goes with the job?
• Footwear: If till now you were comfortable with sneakers and loafers, think again. A pair of comfortable black shoes should do the trick!
• Personal Hygiene: People accept and respond to persons who take care of their personal hygiene. If you are a man, make sure there is no stubble and if you sport a moustache or a 'goatee', take care to trim regularly. Clip your fingernails and take care of your breath. Nothing is more of a 'turn-off' than having grime stacked under your fingernails and breath stinking of rotten eggs! If you have a problem of body odour, splash on some deodorant, not too much, but just enough to get you through the day.

Success and self-development are intertwined with the image you portray to all you come in contact with. The "Physical You" is the first thing that hits any person whom you meet. All else comes later. So, it is only logical that you take care of how you portray yourself to the world. And if this image of yours is really getting in the way of your career advancement, then I suggest, follow the above steps I have outlined to make a fresh start.

Just remember, 'change is the only constant!' So whether you are already employed, or just starting out, the basics remain the same.

Till next time!

Where do you start?

The answer is quite obvious, you have got to start with YOURSELF. 

Every action that is targeted at personal development must and should always begin with YOU. There is really no other way. That burning desire to achieve something worthwhile should be the guiding force that propels you to overcome all odds. This is the key that can, and if you are willing to persevere, will help YOU achieve whatever you desire. Yeah sure, you can be helped along the way with a lot of props, but the bottom line; are you really desperate to change your present circumstances? 

So, lets take it that YOU really want to succeed and as I had said at the very beginning of this post, that spark, that seed of change must be planted within YOURSELF for this to happen. Agree?

Okay, now that we are all on the same page, lets take the first step on this incredible journey of self-development and achievement. Ask yourself this question - WHO AM I? A very simple question isn't it? But I assure you, many are stumped at arriving with factual answers. The problem is that we are all so caught up with our daily grind that, we fail to understand ourselves and as a result we, more often than not, get stuck in a rut! Trying desperately to extricate ourselves from the monotony and doldrums of existence.

But it doesn't have to be that way. That question - WHO AM I? holds the key to understanding yourself and succeeding in whatever field you choose. So when you try and answer the question, look closely at the following areas of yourself: -

• What are you really good at? Maybe you sing well or you are an articulate speaker; you love to play around with numbers; maybe a computer wiz; love meeting and interacting with people, you know, stuff like that.
• Where do you really need to improve? Areas like, maybe, you are short tempered; don't care about others opinions; cannot keep schedules; a late riser; lack of confidence and so on.
• What have been the opportunities presented to you at this present juncture? Can you list them and the reasons why these came your way?
• What's holding you back? Try and list the things or events that are acting as a stumbling blocks to everything that you have attempted up to this present moment of your life.

You know, when you answer these questions truthfully, as if your life depended on them, you will be surprised at the revelation that comes to you. The answers will act as pointers, they will be the guide that will help you charting your life-course. They will provide insights into who you really are and what career is best suited for you.

So go on, try it out!

Till next time, happy "Introspection"!