One the biggest mistakes people make when they’re trying to impress
someone is that they assume people only pay attention to the important
or “big” things they do. But the reality is that the little things are
what matter most. It’s the little things we do or don’t do every day
that shape us in to who we are. The little things determine how we
respond when big things come in to our lives.
The kind of image
you present to the world is determined by your actions, comments,
attitude, behavior and even appearance. These things can be noticed
within the first few seconds of meeting someone. So, how do you let
people know who you really are? How do you impress everyone around you
without big gestures or a lot of time? These 30 things might be simple,
but they have a big impact. Their effects are lasting. People will
remember the little things you do and that can make the difference
you’re looking for.
1. Dress the part
Your appearance is
the thing people see first. They look at your clothes, hair, shoes, etc.
They make assumptions about you before you even open your mouth. If you
want to impress people, dress for the occasion. Take time to get ready
in the morning.
2. Be on time
If you’re late for something, you’re giving
someone the opportunity to judge you without you even being there. If
you say you’re going to be somewhere at a certain time, then be there at
that time. Waiting for someone when they should already be there is
frustrating and annoying.
3. Don’t break your promises
There
are too many people out there making promises they know they can’t
keep. They promise something because it makes the other person feel
better in that moment. The problem with that is that down the road, when
you don’t follow through, the comfort that person felt turns into
discouragement, frustration and even anger. If you can’t keep a promise,
don’t make it. If you do make a promise, do everything you can to keep
it.
4. Respect others
This includes your elders, minors,
co-workers, family members, etc. This can be hard when you have to be
around someone who has differing opinions than you, or who acts in a way
you don’t approve of. But you can still be civil. If you look for
attributes you respect in people, you will find them.
5. Be involved
If
you support going green, then go green in your life. If you support
your local government, then attend community meetings. Be a part of the
things that matter to you.
6. Say, “Please,” and, “Thank you,” often
These
are small words, but they go a long way. Expressing your gratitude to
people, even for the smallest acts of kindness, shows that you see the
good in people; it shows that you pay attention to the things people
around you are doing and saying.
7. Smile often
Smiles are
contagious. If a stranger walks past you at the store and smiles, it is
a natural response to smile back. Seeing someone smile can remind
others that there are things to be grateful for, that life is fun and
exciting.
8. Don’t be constantly using your phone
When you
are with someone, be with them. Phones are an amazing piece of
technology. But they are also a distraction. Use your phone when it’s
appropriate. You don’t need it out every second of every day.
9. Be faithful to your partner
We
hear story after story about divorces and infidelity. It’s everywhere.
By being honest and true with your partner, you are showing that you
know where your priorities are. You understand what it means to be in a
healthy relationship.
10. Support your children
Take time
to be involved in your kids’ lives. Know what they’re interested in. Go
their games, recitals, competitions, parent-teacher conferences, etc.
Listen when they talk to you. Be the kind of parent they know they can
go to when they have questions.
11. Personal hygiene isn’t an option, it’s a requirement
Have
breath mints handy. Wear deodorant. Brush your teeth. Wear clean
clothes. These are things that should be common sense, but some people
really struggle with them. Talking to someone with bad breath is gross.
It’s distracting. All you can think about is that you want to give them a
mint. Take care of your personal hygiene and people will be more
focused on what you’re saying and doing instead of how you smell.
12. Speak clearly and make eye contact
Let
the person you’re talking to know that you are engaged in the
conversation and that you care about what you’re discussing. Don’t
mumble or look around, keep your focus on them.
13. Don’t chew gum
This
can depend on the type of situation you’re in. If you’re with family
hanging out or with close friends at the movies, gum is fine. But in a
professional situation, gum is distracting.
14. Use humor
This can lighten the mood and bring people down from a tense state. Just make sure you’re using this at appropriate times.
15. Greet people with a handshake or hug
Determine
what type of situation you’re in. You probably don’t want to go in to
an interview and hug your potential boss, but you should offer them a
firm handshake. With close friends and family members a hug shows a
level of intimacy. It shows that you love and care about them and gives
you a way to physically express that.
16. Be true to yourself
Know what you want out of life and do everything you can to achieve it.
17. Listen to others
When someone is talking to you, listen to what they are saying. Don’t be thinking of a response while they are still talking.
18. Perform acts of kindness
Open the door for someone, collect your neighbor’s mail when they go out town, make dinner for someone who just had a baby.
19. Be organized
Have a schedule and know what you have going on. Know where things are in your house, at work, in your car, etc.
20. Compliment people
Look
for the good in people around you and take the time to let them know
you noticed. Compliment them on their clothes, their work, their
attitude, anything you can think of.
21. Share knowledge and information with others
When you have a skill or talent, share it. Teach others and share what you know and have learned.
22. Be positive and focus on the good
This
can be hard when times are tough, but it’s possible. Look for the
solution instead of focusing on the problem. Stay positive.
23. Help others
Help
when and where you can. In most cases, chances to serve aren’t always
at the most opportune times, but sacrificing your time to help someone
in need says a lot about you.
24. Keep a clean car
Take
your car through the car wash every so often. Clean out the inside.
Don’t let garbage pile up. You never know when you’re going to have to
give someone a ride.
25. Care about people
Don’t build up a wall to “protect” your feelings. Let yourself feel, let yourself care for people.
26. Don’t take offense
Things
will be said and people will do things, purposefully or accidentally,
that could hurt you. You can choose to be offended or to move past it.
27. Own up to your mistakes
When you make a mistake, admit it, own up to it, do what you can to fix it and move on.
28. Take advantage of experiences life has to offer
If you get the opportunity to go somewhere new, learn a new talent or try something new, do it! Enjoy life.
29. Know what’s going on in the world
Be up to date on recent news, both local and global. Be informed.
30. Travel
The world is a big place. Take the time to go out and meet new people, learn new cultures and make new memories.
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