A Baker's Dozen For Cultivating Charisma

What are those seemingly ineffable qualities that make some individuals so thoroughly appealing and captivating, always drawing others to them? These skills, aptitudes and capabilities are often part of a life-long learning curve, continually practiced and perfected, as evidenced by the adage that, "leaders are made, not born".

Is it possible to learn to exude an air of self-confidence that enhances winning abilities, traits and personal magic? To increase your personal magnetism, read on:

1. Convey optimism, zeal and excitement, minimizing passivity and negativity, incorporating these traits into clear goals.

2. Concentrate on being a good and interested listener. Focus on really communicating with others rather than being self absorbed and be unafraid to express genuine emotions.

3. Never underestimate the power of eye contact – it's disconcerting, discounting and disrespectful not to look someone in the eye when speaking to them.

4. Read, read, read-be constantly open to new ideas, knowledge and learning. Become an expert in your profession or area of interest.

5. Incorporate a varied, descriptive and powerful vocabulary into your everyday language; practice and enhance your writing skills.

6. Don't have a hand shake like a wet noodle; conversely, don't paralyze someone when shaking their hand!

7. Great posture broadcasts great confidence. Think about the messages your body language conveys. Does it mesh with the image you want to transmit?

8. In all situations, treat people respectfully and as equals- by making others feel special, you set an example about the way you expect to be treated.

9. Never dress like a shlep! Even in non-business situations, cleanliness, care, neatness and style (which does not have to be au courant) are essential.

10. Relish (and share) an appreciation for the ridiculous. Make use of humor whenever humanly possible and always remember to smile and have fun!

11. Eliminate "foot-in-mouth disease"- think before speaking and be cognizant when a brief comment, or no comment at all, may be most sagacious. Appropriately convey understanding, empathy and genuine interest.

12. Learn from great actors, trial lawyers, orators, etc., observing their gestures, tone of voice, timing, conviction, etc. when they communicate with others. An acting class or public speaking group can be invaluable and fun.

13. Bolster the self confidence and allure of others by being a ready resource for those seeking your advice, guidance and expertise.


And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

A Baker's Dozen For Cultivating Charisma

What are those seemingly ineffable qualities that make some individuals so thoroughly appealing and captivating, always drawing others to them? These skills, aptitudes and capabilities are often part of a life-long learning curve, continually practiced and perfected, as evidenced by the adage that, "leaders are made, not born".

Is it possible to learn to exude an air of self-confidence that enhances winning abilities, traits and personal magic? To increase your personal magnetism, read on:

1. Convey optimism, zeal and excitement, minimizing passivity and negativity, incorporating these traits into clear goals.

2. Concentrate on being a good and interested listener. Focus on really communicating with others rather than being self absorbed and be unafraid to express genuine emotions.

3. Never underestimate the power of eye contact – it's disconcerting, discounting and disrespectful not to look someone in the eye when speaking to them.

4. Read, read, read-be constantly open to new ideas, knowledge and learning. Become an expert in your profession or area of interest.

5. Incorporate a varied, descriptive and powerful vocabulary into your everyday language; practice and enhance your writing skills.

6. Don't have a hand shake like a wet noodle; conversely, don't paralyze someone when shaking their hand!

7. Great posture broadcasts great confidence. Think about the messages your body language conveys. Does it mesh with the image you want to transmit?

8. In all situations, treat people respectfully and as equals- by making others feel special, you set an example about the way you expect to be treated.

9. Never dress like a shlep! Even in non-business situations, cleanliness, care, neatness and style (which does not have to be au courant) are essential.

10. Relish (and share) an appreciation for the ridiculous. Make use of humor whenever humanly possible and always remember to smile and have fun!

11. Eliminate "foot-in-mouth disease"- think before speaking and be cognizant when a brief comment, or no comment at all, may be most sagacious. Appropriately convey understanding, empathy and genuine interest.

12. Learn from great actors, trial lawyers, orators, etc., observing their gestures, tone of voice, timing, conviction, etc. when they communicate with others. An acting class or public speaking group can be invaluable and fun.

13. Bolster the self confidence and allure of others by being a ready resource for those seeking your advice, guidance and expertise.


And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

A Baker's Dozen For Cultivating Charisma

What are those seemingly ineffable qualities that make some individuals so thoroughly appealing and captivating, always drawing others to them? These skills, aptitudes and capabilities are often part of a life-long learning curve, continually practiced and perfected, as evidenced by the adage that, "leaders are made, not born".

Is it possible to learn to exude an air of self-confidence that enhances winning abilities, traits and personal magic? To increase your personal magnetism, read on:

1. Convey optimism, zeal and excitement, minimizing passivity and negativity, incorporating these traits into clear goals.

2. Concentrate on being a good and interested listener. Focus on really communicating with others rather than being self absorbed and be unafraid to express genuine emotions.

3. Never underestimate the power of eye contact – it's disconcerting, discounting and disrespectful not to look someone in the eye when speaking to them.

4. Read, read, read-be constantly open to new ideas, knowledge and learning. Become an expert in your profession or area of interest.

5. Incorporate a varied, descriptive and powerful vocabulary into your everyday language; practice and enhance your writing skills.

6. Don't have a hand shake like a wet noodle; conversely, don't paralyze someone when shaking their hand!

7. Great posture broadcasts great confidence. Think about the messages your body language conveys. Does it mesh with the image you want to transmit?

8. In all situations, treat people respectfully and as equals- by making others feel special, you set an example about the way you expect to be treated.

9. Never dress like a shlep! Even in non-business situations, cleanliness, care, neatness and style (which does not have to be au currant) are essential.

10. Relish (and share) an appreciation for the ridiculous. Make use of humor whenever humanly possible and always remember to smile and have fun!

11. Eliminate "foot- in-mouth disease"- think before speaking and be cognizant when a brief comment, or no comment at all, may be most sagacious. Appropriately convey understanding, empathy and genuine interest.

12. Learn from great actors, trial lawyers, orators, etc., observing their gestures, tone of voice, timing, conviction, etc. when they communicate with others. An acting class or public speaking group can be invaluable and fun.

13. Bolster the self confidence and allure of others by being a ready resource for those seeking your advice, guidance and expertise.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Meltdown Mayhem-Nine Designs To Turn Adversity Into Opportunity

As the worldwide economic crisis looms large, how is it possible to see an upside to this tumultuous financial situation? While not to minimize the impact of the elimination of jobs, dwindling savings, and the loss of value in stocks and real estate, an opportunity is presented to creatively prepare, brainstorm, and have viable plans in place to counter unsettling events, and incorporate changes that have been “on the back burner”.

“X out” the idea of deserving a particular life style and start restructuring aspects of your life that you can control and those that are most important to you (more time for relationships, unfinished projects, re-defining and reassessing goals, etc.):

1. Re-frame the idea of being “cheap”- substitute frugal, prudent or economical to describe clever cost-cutting ideas and plans.

2. Eliminate extravagant gift giving-those who care about you will appreciate presents reflective of your creativity and budget.

3. Add “ecologically aware” to lifestyle re-designing- the less you buy and the more you re-cycle (not just trash), the smaller your environmental carbon footprint.

4. The “latte factor” (so named by financial columnist, David Bach)- spending $4.00 for a daily coffee? What’s the actual cost on a weekly/monthly/yearly basis? Use simple arithmetic to compute spending on clothes, restaurants, dry cleaning, etc. to total the amount of these “minor” extravagances per annum.

5. Overwhelmed by “stuff”-a great time to purge useless items (and perhaps sell them on Craigslist or ebay). Tally how much you paid for these things, keep the list handy, and refer to it anytime you consider making non-emergency, discretionary purchases.

6. Downsizing doesn’t have to be viewed as a disaster-consider the sense of freedom and lessened anxiety level a smaller home or less expensive car (believe it or not, you are NOT what you drive!), can bring.

7. Stay fit by exercising, yoga, dancing, etc.- helps to lift your spirits, reduce stress and avoid gaining weight (being active rather than eating), during a worrisome time.

8. Continuing education- improve knowledge in your chosen field (enhancing your skills in a competitive market), or pursue interests and information through reading, courses, seminars, etc. Becoming financially savvy should be part of your life-long learning program.

9. Discover the beauty of compound interest-it’s never too late to save, and the sooner the better. Align your savings goal(s) with those things that really matter to you, enhancing the incentive to save.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Shake It Up Baby!

Shake It Up Baby!

Research has shown that novelty has a positive effect upon one's level of happiness (hardly surprising, as humans thrive with lots of stimulation). While some changes require planning, a great number of daily routines, habits and interests can easily be altered, amended or revised. Be ready when opportunity does come knocking, without rationalizing why something can’t be done, embracing “carpe diem” (seize the day) as a permanent motto!

Whether contemplating short-term or long-tem shake-ups, try some easy and creative ways to transform the mundane into fun:

• Wear some clothing or jewelry that really isn't "you"- how does this make you feel and note the reactions you get from others?

• Listen to music or read a book that is a departure from your usual fare.

• Take a different route to work; explore the environs of the area in which you live, investigate historical points of interest, take local day trips.

• Visit a new gallery, museum, park, etc. that you've been meaning to do but haven't gotten around to doing.

• Plan a trip which you’ve always wanted to take or one that is totally different than the locale you frequent, length of stay, accommodations, etc.

• Try volunteering- choose an organization or cause you believe in and offer your time and services to do whatever jobs and projects are deemed necessary.

• Join the movement-besides exercising, try dancing (which is a great work-out), or take up a new sport.

• Broaden your education and commit to lifelong learning-whether through classes, travel, reading, online courses, being tutored or mentoring (a great deal is learned from and while teaching others).

• Start laying the foundation for a change in lifestyle, work, or social structure- do lots of background research, network (try Meetup groups), acquire a mentor, get an internship or volunteer your time, etc.

What things have you thought of to "Shake It Up Baby"? I'd love to hear about the interesting and creative things you've decided to do.


And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Virtual You

Cloning of humans is still the stuff of sci-fi (but for how long?), yet, have you ever thought of what it might be like to meet a “virtual” you? Imagine interacting with your carbon copy and how this might impact upon your mingling, relating and functioning in a variety of social and professional settings.

While considering the following questions, jot down your responses and try re-reading them at a later time:

• Would you be compelled to meet and really get to know your clone? If not, why not?

• What traits would you find appealing/unappealing in your “twin”?

• Would you choose your replicate as a family member (suspend reality and imagine being able to pick your relatives!), a friend, or a colleague? Do you experience an immediate, visceral response to this idea, or are there any hesitations?

• Do you think your clone would be open to any suggested behavioral, interpersonal or physical changes? What ideas or sage advice, or “constructive” criticism? (in any realm), would you proffer to your mirror image?

• How would you let your mirror image know how he/she is perceived by the outside world? Do you think this would be an easy topic to discuss, or one that has to be approached quite gingerly?

• Do you foresee any complications arising, either between the two of you or because of the nature of the settings in which you’re interacting? If so, what might they be and how do you think you would resolve them?

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Energizing Environments

Some things are actually easier to change than we realize. Our physical environments can have a huge impact upon mood, attitude, physical well-being, and psychological health. Re-arranging, organizing and altering your home and work spaces can make a profound difference in your life, coupling a more buoyant outlook with greater energy.

Along with these suggestions, think about others you can devise:

• Assessment time- home and/or work areas chaotic or non-productive? Take time to evaluate how to eliminate sources of stress in these locales and start by changing ONE thing at a time.

• Add enlivening colors, pictures, art, music and lighting to your home and work environments.

• Get away from “same old, same old”- quotidian tasks easily become routine and boring- begin by injecting small changes into daily or repeated schedules and situations (e.g. remove the T.V. from the bedroom, try 1-2 new recipes/food each week, take a brisk walk before showering, etc.)

• Conversely (re: the above), if habits need to be broken, a change in surroundings (and their attendant associations) is often a major first step (i.e. if a morning cigarette accompanies a cup of coffee, try switching to tea, if you tend to easily “vege out” after work, sign up for some classes or arrange time with friends, etc.).

• Engage ALL your senses: use scented candles, soothing lotions, healthy snacks, calming music (be particularly aware of lowering noise pollution in your surroundings), and create a visually beautiful home atmosphere.

• Share all manner of things with friends and family-exchange books, art, accessories-things which open up experiences, ideas, concepts and information, promoting discussion and camaraderie.

• Explore the exotic- take a (minimal) risk and wear something you wouldn’t normally don, paint a wall (or room) in your home a bold color, get involved in exciting activities, plan an adventurous trip-the list is endless.

• Time to change those who people your landscape? -while you may not be able to change everyone you’d like to (a relative, boss, etc.), make certain that the majority of your interactions are with upbeat and supportive individuals.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!