First Impression Matters

People tend to overlook the importance of first impressions. To them "what you think that of me is not important,when you get on the brink of me you will know better". The only time they think it matters is in a job interview or any other formal setting.

These people console themselves with the common expression of : "never judge a book by its cover". Well this is true to some extent because I know book covers give a little insight of what to expect to see inside. If not why are book covers attractive?, why do you read labels of things you buy before you make payment?.

You might say people would know you better when they get close to you but do you know how many of them would have gotten close but never did because of their first impression of you?. Humans beings are moved by what they see. When the eyes see something, a message is passed to the brain. Now if the first thing that comes to a person's mind when he sees you is negative then a negative signal is passed to the brain and believe me, it will take a lot to change the person's mindset towards you.

I have had some personal experiences with first impressions. Two close friends of mine told me that they thought I had a snobbish personality when they first saw me. Funny as it might seem, I was taken aback when I heard that from them and I even had to apologise for my attitude then.

The power of first impression can not and should not be underestimated by anyone because who knows what good might come out of making a good first impression.

However, take note that making a good first impression is not all about impressing people by being unreal or putting up fake attitudes, or is there anyone who loves people who live fake lives?. Living to meet up with other people's expectations can do you a lot of harm than good because you will end up living for their acceptance and dying in rejection.

You do not have to entirely change your lifestyle just to suit other people's choices, your life is yours and you should not live for the acceptance of others. The beauty of life is the uniqueness of every single person on earth even identical twins do not share the same personality. 

So what then is making a good first impression about?, well it is quite easy. First of all, you have to accept yourself as person, be proud of your uniqueness. Accept the fact that you are not perfect because no one is ever perfect therefore no one should make you be what you are not. Do the best you can and take corrections when mistakes set in.

Then also, the major way to make good first impression is through your actions, let people around you feel the positivity you exude. Make strangers feel welcome with you. Learn to make use of the words please, sorry and thank you more often. Smile more, talk less and listen more.Make sure you leave people better than the way you met them. Be more accommodating and understandable.That smile you put on someone's face today could just be what you need to secure that job tomorrow. Dress well, maintain good posture and good eye contact as you talk with people. 

Sometimes, we also overlook the importance of making good first impression online, often times we curtly reply people who we do not know or even tell them off. A story was told of a lady who lost a job opportunity at a multinational company because she was quick to tell off the human resource manager who had sent her a message. In as much as we need to be conscious of the fact that some strangers might be of evil intent, it is still important not to be so quick to make harsh replies. Give time for such person to introduce himself and politely ask questions to clarify your doubts. 

How do you know a good first impression?, well that is easy too. A good first impression is a lasting impression. Experts say that you can make a first impression in four seconds but a lasting impression is made in four minutes. Make sure you leave a lasting impression on the next person you meet.