smile

First impressions

Image c/o Inc. Magazine

How can I make a great first impression?
Making a great first impression is crucial in both personal and professional settings. A professor from Howard University once told me that I made a great first impression because I showed trust and respect. I was raised to show empathy and authority, so I believe that we are saying exactly the same thing. One can definitely build upon these traits to improve one’s ability to make a positive first impression, for example, by smiling and maintaining eye contact or by using positive body language.

““You never get a second chance to make a first impression.””
— Will Rogers
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Smiling is leadership

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I think that we need to look out for the three clever stories that makes us move to silence or violence:

  1. “It’s not my fault.”- Victim

  2. “It’s all my fault.”- Villain

  3. “And there’s nothing else I can do.” - Helplessnes

““There are two very powerful things which are always underestimated, silence and smiles. A smile can solve many
problems, and silence can help avoid many problems.””
— Unknown

These basic things

What are you doing to help the people relieve the tension?
I make a conscious effort to smile throughout the day and take the time to appreciate the little things, for example, the architectural detail on buildings. A simple smile, can reduce stress, help heart health, lower blood pressure, and boost your immune system by decreasing cortisol in the body. Smiling, genuine or even forced, prompts the brain to produce endorphins and serotonin which may have a positive effect on your mood. Try it – SMILE. I think that if we make new behaviours fun, we are far more likely to do them in a consistent and repeatable way.