I think the currently, it is more important than ever to consider making a positive lasting impression upon those we come into contact with, I’m writing about that today…
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” ― Jackie Robinson
Dale Carnegie wrote a fantastic book back in 1936 that really spelled out How to Win Friends and Influence People, and it is still popular because it contains such a lot of common sense about treating others how we ourselves like to be treated.
Unfortunately, we sometimes forget our common sense due to work and other pressures, and times have changed a little too, so here are a few examples of both “old” and modern day areas to focus upon in order to leave a lasting impression and be remembered for the right reasons.
1. Pay someone a compliment
Did you know that there is a World Compliment Day? Compliments are contagious! When we remind each other of how incredible we all are, amazing things happen. There is ample evidence that giving someone else a boost whether giving compliments or expressing gratitude, has a mood-lifting effect and contributes to well-being. Research has shown that when we do something kind, our brains release oxytocin, the “hug hormone” that makes us feel really good. Neuroscientists have even shown that the brain processes verbal affirmations similarly to financial rewards.
If there is the slightest reason to pay someone a compliment, make their day and tell them. There are tons of way to brighten the world around you. Here are a few:
- You’re an awesome friend.
- You’re smart.
- I like your style.
- You are really courageous.
- You are strong.
2. Say thanks often
We often don’t praise or thank people because we worry that what we say will sound awkward. Receiving a compliment brightens people’s day much more than anticipated and leaves them feeling better and less uncomfortable than we expect.
Appreciation is a fundamental human need. Feeling genuinely appreciated lifts people up. Show your appreciation by saying thanks when someone holds the door open for you, or goes out of their way to do something. When did you last thank your partner for cooking a nice meal?
3. Give generously
When you help others, your life starts to have meaning and purpose. Real joy comes not from collecting material possessions (for example) but from people. When we give our hearts in kindness and love, we get the riches of the universe, and one of the greatest of these is happiness.
When you’re generous with others, you feel abundant; your life feels fertile and rich with possibility.
The impact you can have on others does not require billions of pounds or dollars. Any contribution you make to the world matters. If you don’t have money, you can offer your expertise generously instead, allowing others to benefit from your experience and knowledge.
4. Do what you say you will
Integrity matters, because guess what? It does! Influence is often the result of having others trust you. Trust comes from communicating the truth—without deception, denial, exaggeration, waffling. Trust means what you say is what you do.
Don’t let others think badly of you by not doing what you said you will, even the smallest of things, someone may well be relying on you. Don’t miss your chance to contribute and inspire others to do the same.
5. Smile
Laughter is underrated! Laughter releases the connection-creating hormone oxytocin, and decreases the stress and flight hormones cortisol and epinephrine by 39% and 70% respectively. According to Dr. Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, authors of Humor, Seriously, laughter doesn’t have to be limited to our personal relationships.
The next time you meet someone whom you don’t know and no matter how stressed you are, take a breath and smile. It really does help.
Finally, spend more time with those that make you laugh and smile. As Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” Read this article for more on this subject: The Science of Laughter: Why Laughing is Really Good for Your Health.
6. Pay attention
Believe it or not, some people who interact with others who leave the best impressions are the ones who ask a lot of questions. So, yes, be friendly, have a firm handshake, look at the person in the eye, especially when they’re talking (i.e. don’t look down at your phone or around like you’re bored, try not to get distracted by your surroundings if you are a busy place) but also ask them questions about themselves.
People love talking about themselves and if you act interested, you can walk away from that interaction with the person thinking you’re great and they hardly know anything about you because you put the focus on them. Give people your attention.
7. Be yourself
Be yourself, be the best version of yourself. Do not fake being a good person because when you are kind to someone and it doesn’t come from your heart, people will forget you. People will remember you by the little things that you did and made you who you are. People will either miss you by the way you laugh, the way you looked when you were upset, the way you could say a million things without saying a word. The way you touch someone by your very hands, the way you hold your loved one, the way you walked, the way you shouted at them….they will remember it all, if it was the real you.
Focus on leaving a lasting impression on yourself. Do you like who you are? Do you respect yourself? That’s what you should worry about. Once you do that, no external opinion will matter much. Of course we all like to be liked, but it’s just not possible to please everyone. It’s better to please the one person we’ll always have to live with!
8. Leave on a high note
WHEN you exit a conversation, try to leave it on a high note. Most people wait for the energy to die and then leave when it’s awkward. That leaves a weird last impression.
Instead, what you should do is exit when the energy is high. What this does is leave an awesome last impression of you in someone’s mind.
Final Thoughts
Many of us spend much of our lives preparing for future goals. Though this should be a priority, you should also consider the legacy you’ll leave behind; I’m going to be sharing an article on that topic next week. Go and leave positive lasting impressions upon others when you interact – enrich other people lives as you go about your own and watch how much more enjoyable life becomes for you also.
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