Photo credits: Jide JJ Smith©
Want to get ahead at the office?
It may be as simple as these tiny tweaks to your attitude, appearance and confidence, to make you stand out as the leader of the pack. Truth is, the image you put forth does matter when it comes to how others perceive you.
Here are 5 easy tips and body language boosters that can help you get what you want at work and feel better about what you see in the mirror...
MAKE EYE CONTACT
In this digital age of disconnection, never underestimate the power of eye contact. It is a power move used by many confident leaders and communicators and knowing when to make eye contact can serve you in connecting deeper in business, friendships and personal relationships. Don't be afraid to hold eye contact as well when you are speaking with someone; meeting someone's gaze can come off as confident, just don't hold it too long or else it can read creepy ;)
PERFECT YOUR POSTURE
Posture is a proven confidence booster but maybe not for the reasons you think... While, yes, it is a good social signifier to others of confidence (shoulders back, head up), proper posture can also send a message to your brain to be more alert and positive. Plus, putting your shoulders back and down also helps you straighten your spine, and planting your feet and open up your breathing, both of which is also proven to help circulation and relieve stress.
FIND YOUR FOCUS
When in a group or individual conversation, finding and focusing on one thing can help you stay present in the moment instead of wandering into random thoughts (as in 'What should I eat?' or 'What are my plans this weekend?'). And when you're focused in the moment, you're able to problem solve easier and be a better partner in meetings or collaboration.
EMBRACE YOUR POWER SUIT
For every outfit, that is, ask Hillary Clinton herself!
You can't project let alone feel confident when you are tugging or pulling at ill-fitting clothing, so make sure the clothes you wear fit your body well and are comfortable to move in. Nothing can knock your confidence like tired, achy feet from shoes that are too tight or a dress you have to adjust before sitting down. What you wear is an extension of how you feel and if you want to feel confident make sure your clothing is helping you and not restricting you.
MOVE WITH PURPOSE
Remember, confidence is not just an end goal, it's a lifestyle, so your body language is a big key to integrating the power mantras in your head with the full bodied expression of yourself to the world around you. Be aware of the tugging, crossing, slouching and wandering and instead opt for breathing deep, planting feet, sitting up and finding your focus.
I was wearing…
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