What are the five actions you can take today to achieve personal success?
Action 1. ASK! I've been reading a book called The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. The biggest part of it deals with asking for what we want - in life - in business - in relationships. Read it - it will change how you look at independence, as opposed to interdependence. Covey, in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People talks about the three stages of development - dependence, then independence and then interdependence. I don't know about you, but I was brought up to believe independence is the highest stage of development. It isn't. Interdependence - working with others in so many ways, gives us leverage in our lives. If we can't ask for the sale, for help, for advice, for checking our handshake - if we can't do that, then we cannot reach our highest level of success.. Read this book - do the exercises - ask. It will change your life.
Action 2. Check your handshake and eye contact. Yesterday, I met a person who I will describe as impressive, until we shook hands. Left me cold with the fish grip and no eye contact. What a first impression! It's amazing how many people, male and female, give the limp shake. The limp shake gives the impression of low energy, of lack of interest, of lack of confidence. At the same time you're checking your grip, check out how you make eye contact. A limp shake with little eye contact is a sure turnoff to successful people. They might respect your technical talents, they may respect your accomplishments, but I guarantee they will not want you to represent their organization to other organizations, to "A" player candidates, or to any other influential person or organization. Use a mirror to practice your eye contact and your words of introduction
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