In the start of the new year, many of us make plans to change our lives- weather it be how and what we eat, exercising more, being less tolerant of those that treat us poorly, etc.…
I thought I would start the year off by drawing attention to- who we are and who we want to be, not what we do. It is all synonymous, really. If we are who we want to be and are living as our authentic selves, we will, by the very nature of that, be doing what we need to do.
So how do we do that? It starts with embodying integrity and self-honor. When we have the basics- we radiate positive energy, self-worth and confidence.
You don’t have to be the best looking, richest, most talented or the most charming… to be the person that is sought after by those around you.
How do we do this? We nurture ourselves in the way we navigate around others.
The list of traits that draw me towards someone, may not be the same for everyone…but I don’t think I am that far off the mark.
People that aren’t constantly searching for validation, because they’re confident enough to find it in themselves. They exude a natural self-worth and confidence that is intriguing, and makes others feel “safe” around them, because there is consistency.
Folks that possess an authentic interest in those around them. There is nothing more boring to me than being with someone that thinks it’s all about them. If you think you may be one of those people and it is hard for you to relate to those around you, try putting the smart phone down and focusing on the people you’re with.
Being authentic is making the day to day decisions that create the person you want to be. We ALL have days when we lose points with the people around us. That’s called being human. How we take accountability for it, and strive to do better the next day… is called integrity. One does not happen with-out the other.
People gravitate toward authentic individuals because they are positive and passionate with a zest for life. Life is viewed as an adventure, approached with enthusiasm and commitment. Life challenges, no matter how big, are temporary. When things go wrong, even terribly wrong, they remind themselves that a bad day is just one day, and does not dictate the outcome of the next.
Being polite and treating everyone with respect is how to be- because how you treat others is a mirror on how you treat yourself.
Smile. “Smile and others smile with you” … having a background in Psychology, I have studied a bit about mimicry and emotional contagion. Public Service Announcement, this is one of those traits that is on the top. So Do It.- It just makes you and those around you feel a sense of welcome and invitation… Emotions are contagious. Smiling and feeling good is infectious.
Be THIS person- the one with a true authentic sense of self with integrity and the ability to put others before yourself. Be polite and treat everyone with respect. All while smiling. This approach to your life and those around you, will help you find the path that you are meant to be on, for the New Year and the years to follow.