Let’s talk about Poise!

 ‘Poise is the art of raising the eyebrows rather than the roof’

This quote was sent to me a few days ago as a ‘thought for the day’ and I wanted to share it with you. Do you agree with this quote? Do you disagree?

Poise is defined as a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession.

Guess what? Having poise, good manners and good etiquette will never go out of style. You can spot a person with poise or good etiquette from a mile away just as you can quickly spot a person who does not possess these characteristics. Similarly, it is easier and more pleasurable to deal with someone who possesses these characteristics than with persons who have poor manners and are loud and temperamental. 

Here are some simple tips which you can use daily to enhance your poise. These tips will win you points with your friends, family, boss, co-workers and customers.

1)   Seriously, think before you speak, text, blog, BB, tweet etc. Once you put your thoughts out there, you can’t take them back. Have you ever been in a meeting or at an event and just cringed at something a speaker said? Similarly, how do you feel about some of the things people choose to post on Facebook?

Ensure your message is clear and simple. Remember, regardless of the situation, curse words, negativity and bringing others down are unnecessary in order to get your point across. You don’t have to sacrifice dignity and composure to make a point.

2)      Sit properly and stand up straight. It’s amazing how much we slouch and bend these days. Good posture speaks volumes to employers, for example, so develop this habit early. In addition, good posture is simply just good for your health.

3)       Smile...ok smile at least a few times a day. You have plenty of reasons to smile and sharing a smile and a warm greeting shows good manners and will earn you tonnes of admiration. In addition, being able to smile in the face of insults or embarrassment shows amazing strength of character and will result in you also earning respect. That’s Poise!

As a youth ambassador, I have been fortunate to interact with dynamic and successful young persons and dignitaries from around the world. Many of these display poise and dignity in their speech and actions.

In order to grow personally and professionally, you must strive to develop a habit of poise and simply 'raise your eyebrows' at negative comments and insults. Focus on your positive development today.

A Make Up Story!

Hi everyone

Thanks for checking out my blog. If you like it, please comment and share it with others.

I was on Facebook tonight and someone had posted this video called ‘Worst Makeup Look Tag: Beyonc.’ Note it said ‘Beyonc’ and not ‘Beyonce.’ I decided to check it out. It was hilarious but I was happy to see at the end that it was a spoof video and that the girl in the video really did not plan to leave the house with that make up look – whew what a relief.

Personally, I don’t wear much make up as you can tell from all my photos. That’s my personal choice. Here you can see the one picture where I actually have semi-red lips...I believe this was taken in 2007 or 2008. As I love to learn and try new things, I have attempted to experiment with my hair and makeup but for the most part au-naturel is my choice.

I should have been studying but.....

So, how about you?  What is your make up preference, hair preference, and clothes preference? Whatever look you choose to wear just ensure that you wear it well. At work, try to display both an inward and outward appearance of professionalism. The bright blue and green eye shadow covering your eye lids is probably a No-No. The skirt with the hem length which is 2 inches below your derriere is a definite No-No.

You get the gist....think carefully about the image which you want to display and about how seriously you want to be taken by customers, your co-workers and management. Remember, there is a day make up look and there is a night make up look.  There are styles which may be suited for your age and body type and there may be styles you should avoid. There is professional wear and there is casual wear.

When you speak about personal development and improvement you should seek to better yourself on the inside and on the outside. It is truly true that when you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, that positive attitude you display causes positive ripples in the universe. So tomorrow, when you go to your closet or to your make-up mirror, think carefully about the image you want to portray.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Let your true beauty shine through. Do it today.

How the 80/20 rule can change your life in 2012?

The New Year is now two days old. How are you feeling about those SMART Goals you made? Remember to remain positive about what you hope to achieve in this New Year.

I love to read and recently I came across a concept which isn’t new to me and I am sure is not new to many of you. However, I am certain it can help you to achieve those SMART goals you have made for 2012.

It is the Pareto’s Principle also known as the 80/20 rule. This principle demonstrates that in most things you do, 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. It also means that 20% of your results could result from 80% of your efforts! The latter definition is mind opening and depressing isn’t it?

So of course, we should seek to get the greatest results from the least amount of effort. Makes sense right? So how can you apply the Pareto principle so you see benefits at work, in your pay check and in life in general?

It is simple...spend most of your time and other resources doing things which bring you the greatest amount of success and happiness. Keep at the top of your mind that usually 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.

Let us look at an example of a small business owner or entrepreneur.  

Firstly, you need to pay attention to who your clients are. Get to know them. Keep track of what they buy and how much they spend. Analyse the data. You will soon see a trend. Most of the money you make comes from a small number of clients. Focus on these clients. Call these clients first when you get new stock. Ensure that you can always make time for these clients. These clients are your 80% results with 20% effort. They become loyal customers and you don’t have to do much work to keep them happy.

Compare this to focusing 80% of your time, money and other resources trying to encourage and find new customers who may never buy. Stay focused and you will reap positive rewards.

Let’s look at another example.  If you work extremely long hours with no added benefits or recognition, it may suggest that you may not be working smart.

Take a look at your daily tasks. Try to figure out which 20% of your tasks bring the greatest results. Focus on these first. Often times, some of the task which takes up a big portion of your day are really not important and I dare say no one will notice if they are not done. Always focus on the important task first – your 20% which produce the 80% results. At the end of the day your boss is really interested in seeing results.

Apply this concept in your  personal and professional life today and for the rest of the year and you will see amazing benefits. I certainly did.

Feel free to share this blog with others and do comment and let me know what other strategies have been successful for you.