The other day, I got a call from a colleague of mine, named Jocelyn, to update each other about what we're working on. I told her about how I wanted to share some tips for our blog readers about keeping a good attitude. Jocelyn introduced me to Marlene Chism and gave me a couple of articles that she wrote. I decided that I had to share my favorite with you!
Marlene's article is called, "Five Ways to Stand Out in 2010." Even though we just finished the first quarter, I know that there's still a lot of 2010 to get through. So, will you barely survive, or make it the best year of your life?
You might think that it's difficult to stand out given all the distractions of the day. However, there are easy ways to be exceptional simply by distinguishing yourself from the norm. What is the norm today? Stress, anxiety, feeling overworked, complaining about how busy you are, putting too much on your plate, letting others down, impatience and overindulgence are the signs of our times. If you want to stand out in 2010, just try one of these five disciplines and make it part of your life. You will be noticed. In fact, you will be viewed as extraordinary.
1. Keep Your Word If you do what you say you are going to do you will definitely stand out. Today we have many excuses to drop the ball including, "I didn't see the e-mail, it went into my junk file, I just got swamped and time got away from me." Keeping your word requires you to quit making too many promises you can't fulfill, doing a better job of scheduling, setting appropriate boundaries, and padding your calendar a bit so you aren't always rushed.
2. Say No Instead of complaining about all you have to do, simply say "no" to the things you don't really want to do. This will require you to give up your need for approval, and to either take action or accept what is, but the payoff is you will be happier, have more energy, and have more time for what really matters.
3. Be Present If you can really be present with someone while they are with you or even while on the phone with them, your energy will be magnetic. This new habit requires you to slow down, take a breath, give some eye contact, and when on the phone no checking e-mail or texting someone else. Believe me you will stand out if you have the discipline to do these things.
4. Smile People will either think you are a bit crazy or they'll be suspicious but you will definitely get some attention if you walk around with a happy smile. This will require you to notice your body language, be a bit more patient and work on all those negative thoughts that manifest as a stressful frown or angry countenance.
5. Acknowledge It's easy to notice bad customer service but do you acknowledge great service? Whether it's the rep on the other end of the phone handling your credit card transaction, your mail carrier, your waitress, your employee, your boss, or the ticket taker at the movie counter, acknowledge friendliness, efficiency, innovation, thoughtfulness and other character qualities and competencies of others.
This will require you to quit thinking about yourself and your problems, and turn your focus to the greatness of others. My challenge to you is to pick one area above, look at what is required to master the new habit. Take note of how your new discipline improves your self-image and helps you stand out as someone committed to excellence. How will you stand out today?
Want to get to know Marlene? Check out her website, or leave a comment for her!
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