“Dressing is a way of life.”
Yves Saint Laurent
~~~~~
24. Explore
Explore and experiment. The world has a lot to offer and you have much within you to give.
By exploring and trying something new, you will not only grow but find greater strength and depth within yourself.
Explore the possibilities that learning about image and etiquette can bring to your skills tool kit. Make good use of the possibilities.
Explore the effect that good manners has on others and how people react to you when you display them (good manners).
“Know first who you are;
and then adorn yourself accordingly.”
~ Epictetus
~~~~~
25. Action Steps
Retain the curiosity of a child……
“Reach high,
for the stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep,
for every dream precedes the goal.”
- Pamela Vaull Star
~~~~~
26. Experiment
Experiment with a new hair color, a different skirt length or style, try the latest shades in lipsticks or nail polish, to give yourself a lift and give your appearance a boost.
Go to a makeup counter and have the makeup artist work her magic on you by giving you a new look. Don’t be too resistant, some changes can ‘grow’ on you.
Have your eyebrows professionally shaped; you’ll be surprised at the difference it will make to your face.
“While you are experimenting,
do not remain content with the
surface of things.”
Ivan Pavlov
~~~~~
27. Action Steps
A new hairstyle will boost your confidence and can take years off your look.
Modernizing your makeup will help you appear more current. Check for current colors and new ways to apply makeup.
A bright color that matches your skin tone will enliven your look.
A new flattering style can make you look slimmer and younger.
A new attitude would work wonders for your image.
Reinvent your look and Revitalize your life.
"A man (person) should never be ashamed
to own that he has been in the wrong,
which is but saying, in other words,
that he is wiser today than he was yesterday."
- Jonathan Swift
~~~~~
28. Eye Contact
Studies show that two people in a normal, healthy conversation make eye contact 30-60% of the time.
Too Little eye contact - when someone fails to look you in the eye or their eyes appear to be shifty, it could indicate that they are scared or uncomfortable.
Too much eye contact can scare the person with whom you are speaking and also make them feel uncomfortable; because the message the receiver is getting (and perhaps quite unintentionally) is that the interest being shown is on a personal level (flirting) rather than on a professional level.
Good eye contact does not mean staring, glaring or making the other person uncomfortable. Relax your features; put a smile on your face, and glance away for a brief second.
“Though we have technology for communication,
nothing can replace that eye contact
in building trust in a relationship.”
Unknown
~~~~~
29. Action Steps
Practice making and holding eye contact with friends and colleagues; see the difference in their reaction.
Ask a trusted friend how he/she feels when you look at them directly and when you look at them with shifty eyes.
Use the knowledge you obtain and put into practice your new found eye contact skill.
“The eyes are the most powerful social signalers
that we have and hence are sometimes called
'the windows of the soul'
Glen Wilson
~~~~~
25. Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is contagious; it draws people to you and makes whatever you are offering more attractive.
To be enthusiastic about anything you must first have an interest in what ever you want to pursue, then you must find out all that you can about it, absorb it, live it, breathe it and be comfortable with it…only then can you become truly enthusiastic.
You may be able to fake many things, but you cannot fake enthusiasm.
Often times the only way to differentiate between two equally qualified and polite individuals is the enthusiasm that the one exudes.
Enthusiasm is an emotional commitment.
“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit
of the child into old age, which means
never losing your enthusiasm.”
– Aldous Huxley
~~~~~
26. Action Steps
Strive to be enthusiastic, because….
“Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your
hopes shine to the stars.
Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes,
the swing in your gait.
The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge
of will and energy to execute your ideas”
Henry Ford
~~~~~
27. Etiquette
Etiquette is a code of conduct that is socially acceptable.
Etiquette enables you to present yourself in a manner that shows you can be taken seriously.
Etiquette simply means displaying refined manners.
Etiquette refers to a set or behavioral rules; different cultures follow different rules; therefore if you are interacting with people outside of your culture, it is wise to educate yourself on their behavior codes.
Etiquette means behaving gracefully, ethically and effectively.
By polishing your etiquette you will not only shine; but, you will add lustre to your personality.
“Etiquette is the science of living.
It embraces everything.
It is ethics. It is honor.”
Emily Post
~~~~~
28. Action Steps
The basic rules of etiquette are quite simple – show kindness and
consideration to all, because…..
“We must learn which ceremonies
may be breached occasionally
at our convenience
and which ones may never be
if we are to live pleasantly
with our fellow man.”
– Amy Vanderbilt
~~~~~
29. First Impressions
It is imperative that you understand and use the power behind first impressions.
We live in a visual world and impressions are formed within the first few seconds of someone meeting us for the first time.
There are numerous benefits to presenting a polished, professional look and attitude. In the first three minutes people will judge your appearance, your social and economic standing and your level of education. They come to these conclusion by the way you are dressed, your deportment, your interaction and your speech.
A polished presence in conjunction with good manners, proper etiquette, and the ability to express yourself clearly will place you as a front runner, but to keep that position you need to be consistent.
“How you come across to others
is too important to be left to chance.”
Phil Gledart
~~~~~
29. Action Steps
The old adage that you can only make a good first impression once, still stands today.
We live in a visual society and very rarely is one given a second chance to improve one’s first impression.
Make every effort to always present yourself in the best possible light.
Enthusiasm along with knowledge, manners and etiquette are your secret weapons to gain greater recognition and set yourself apart from the crowd.
“What we learn only through the
ears
makes less impression upon our minds
than what is presented to the trustworthy eye.”
Horace
~~~~~
30. Forgiveness
Forgive and forget because holding a grudge only weighs you down and creates unhappiness and stress - mainly for yourself.
Sometimes the other party is unaware of your hurt feelings.
Rise above the perceived ‘slight’ and remember that “to err is human” and we are all human – we all make mistakes.
Sometimes we take things personally; when no harm is intended, try not to be too thin skinned and don’t take everything as a personal affront.
Change your energy and everything changes as a result.
“Forgiveness is a virtue of the brave.”
Indira Ghandi
~~~~~
31. Action Steps
Forgiveness is a form of Transformation….
“True forgiveness is
when you can say –
‘Thank you’
for that experience.”
Oprah Winfrey
~~~~~
32. Freedom
Having the ability to choose what’s right for you.
Do not force or impose your beliefs on others, you can only choose for yourself.
Speak your truth through polite and honest communication without making others feel ‘small’ or embarrassed.
Make a concerted effort to express yourself in a respectful manner in every situation.
“Freedom is what you do with
what has been done to you.”
Jean-Paul Sartre
~~~~~
33. Action Steps
Freedom is a gift you can give to yourself.
Free others of the burden of being responsible for you…learn to be responsible for your own actions and let others be responsible for theirs.
Allow yourself to climb to heights you never thought possible.
Freedom lessens the weight of insecurity.
"A different world cannot be built
by indifferent people."
- Peter Marshall
~~~~~
34. Gratitude
Gratitude is an emotion, a feeling that wells up deep inside when someone has done something you truly appreciate.
Show gratitude by saying ‘thank you’ to the people who have done things for you or that have made a difference in your life.
Learn to express gratitude. Too often we take people and things in our lives for granted.
Take a minute to look around and be grateful for the beauty, joy and wonderful things in your life.
Studies say that those who express gratitude are happier, healthier and more energized.
“As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget that the
highest appreciation is not to
utter words, but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy
~~~~~
35. Action Steps
It is extremely important to cultivate the habit of Gratitude…
“Let us be grateful
to the people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who
make our souls blossom.”
― Marcel Proust
~~~~~
36. Graciousness
Seek ways to make others feel comfortable and appreciated.
Show kindness, consideration and generosity of spirit to everyone; not just those who are close to you.
Speak ill of no one, and do not encourage gossip.
Find ways to make others feel welcome and surprise those who may not expect it with acts of Graciousness.
Send a card to a friend you have not spoken to for a while; send flowers or whatever surprise gift you can afford to someone who was kind to you or needs cheering up.
“To bear defeat with dignity,
to accept criticism with poise,
to receive honors with humility –
these are marks of maturity
and graciousness.”
William Arthur Ward
~~~~~
37. Action Steps
One characteristic of a true leader is the ability to be gracious…
“In the end, only three things matter:
how much you loved, how gently you lived,
and how graciously you let go of things…..
not meant for you.
Buddha
~~~~~
38. Hope
Make a practice of always hoping for or expecting the best outcome.
Anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.
Hope demands that you put critical thinking and definitive action intoachieving a set goal.
Discipline and willpower are the driving forces behind hope.
“Three grand essentials to happiness
in life are something to do,
something to love,
and something to hope for.”
Joseph Addison
~~~~~
39. Action Steps
In the darkest times hope shines like a beacon, because…..
“The road that is built in hope
is more pleasant to the traveler than
the road built in despair,
even though they both lead
to the same destination.”
― Marion Zimmer Bradley
~~~~~
40. Health
Optimum health is a goal that is achieved by paying attention to how you treat your body and your mind.
Feed your body and your mind healthy food (thoughts) and the body and the mind generally will reward you.
Your environment plays an important role in your health and life balance; become aware of and remove ‘toxic’ things from within your space; and stay clear as best as you can from ‘toxic’ people.
Without good health, enjoyment of life is limited.
“Good health and good sense are
two of life’s greatest blessings.”
Publilius Syrus
~~~~~
41. Action Steps
While genetics play a big part in our overall health; we can take control of our health because there options open to us other than regular medical checkups and traditional medicine - there are holistic practioners who offer a host of remedies and energy treatments that are accessible.
**Be sure that any practitioner that you chose is qualified and reputable.
The ability to maintain optimum health is an ongoing process, one that involves daily action.
Whatever your health regime is, make sure that you stick to it, and make changes when necessary.
“There is nothing more important
than our good health –
that’s our principal, capital asset.”
Arien Specter
~~~~~
42. Image
Image - the dictionary defines image as mental pictures of something not actually present – an impression; a basic attitude; visible presentation.
Image is identified by the aura that most successful people and businesses possess.
Image can also be seen as a symbol of your standards.
Image is the sum total of many qualities; it is often intangible; it is a feeling, a look, a je ne sai quoi.
Image is not inherent but it can be created!
Brand yourself with the image for which you wish to be known.
“Image is everything”
- Andre Agassi
~~~~~
43. Action Steps
Transform YOUR Image...because….
“Behavior is a mirror in which
everyone displays his/her own image.”
Johan Wolfgang Van Goethe
~~~~~
44 Increase
You will immediately see an increase in your bottom line when congruency and consistency of appearance, behavior and communication are mixed with a great product or person.
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Increase your ‘reach’ by being more easily accessible and more appreciative and understanding of others.
“As knowledge increases,
wonder deepens.”
Charles Morgan
~~~~~
45. Action Steps
Increase can happen when positive thought and action are combined….
“Every goal, every action,
every thought,
every feeling one experiences,
whether it be consciously or
unconsciously known,
is an attempt to increase
one’s peace of mind.”
Sydney Madwed
~~~~~
46. Ignore
Ignore the negative voice inside of your head; focus instead on your goals.
Believe in yourself – know that you are special, you are unique.
Ignore anyone who dampens your spirit or tries to water down your dreams.
Ignore the ‘pull’ to lose focus and indulge in non productive endeavors.
Remind yourself of your brilliance by writing down your previous accomplishments.
Your past successes are only a small indication of what the future holds.
“The future belongs to those who believe
in the beauty of their dreams.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
~~~~~
47. Action Steps
Ignoring a situation does not change it because…..
“Another way to lose control is
to ignore
something when
you should address it.
Jim Evans
~~~~~
48. Integrity
Maintain your integrity by being honest in all your dealings.
Don’t make promises that you cannot keep because your words speak to your character.
Deal with the facts not assumptions.
Ask for clarity of purpose before you rush to judgment.
Be someone who can keep what you have been told confidential, you will learn more and be trusted and recognized as dependable.