Monday, March 11, 2013

Influencing people: Its not rocket surgery

You don’t have to be a person of influence to be influential.

In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware

of the things they’ve taught me.

Scott Adams

Many people wonder why some people are so influential, while others are not. It is not magic or mystical powers that make this possible, but simply that these people tend to exude more confidence in themselves when compared to those who are not. They have higher self-esteem and are able to adapt easily and well to the social environments they find themselves in.
Having influence over others is not rocket surgery; I know, I know, a combination of two metaphors. But, you may be surprised at how easy it is, to use Dale Carnegie‘s phrase, “to win friends and influence other people. ” Not just with the way that you can shape or mold their opinion, but also win them over with the very way you think.

1. Demonstrate respect. First, you should always respect other people’s opinions or thoughts. Avoid making rude or negative comments or telling people that they are just plain wrong. This creates an atmosphere of animosity and does not send the proper message to other people about how you carry yourself. It also makes you seem closed–minded about things, especially with the way other’s think.

Avoid getting into arguments, and if presented with a situation where you may be tempted to do so, do your best to resist it. Never, ever try to get into a debate. Leave debates to their proper forum, which is rarely in the middle of a conversation or a meeting. Debates are suited for the academic or political arena, but never in social conversations or interactions.

Always try to start conversations in a friendly and accommodating manner. This reduces some of the initial tension and resistance, and tends to create a good first impression that will usually be repaid in kind. It is important to initiate communication in a way that makes people feel comfortable with you. Never, ever regret admitting that you are wrong about something. Make every effort to show people that you can openly and freely admit your mistakes whenever you get the chance.

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Saturday, March 9, 2013

Staying positive even when...

Staying positive even when you’re not feeling it

Those who believe they can do something and

those who believe they can’t are both right.

Henry Ford

Everyone has those days when you know it’s better to be upbeat and positive, but you’re just having a little trouble reaching that positive and productive state of mind. When you face challenges, and we all do, or feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, and we all will every now and then, it can be very difficult to maintain a positive attitude.

Here are a few suggestions for ways to improve your mood and experience the inner peace you deserve:

1. Start your day with something positive. Decide each morning that you will start the day headed in the proper direction. Instead of waking up on the wrong side of the bed and setting the stage for a grouchy day, resolve to experience something positive first thing in the morning.
Routines help. Develop a morning routine that you can repeat daily to ease you into your day’s responsibilities. Determine which activities help improve your mood and put you on the path to positive thinking. Find two or three things you can do every morning that will set the stage for a successful day. As these become habits, add on to you routine little by little.
Establishing and keeping a routine will help your body and mind settle in and focus on what you need to accomplish. Instead of rushing around like a fool every morning or forgetting important details, your plan and routine will guide you through a peaceful set of steps that will keep your mind calm and focused and create unstoppable momentum... Read more here

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