by Natasha Gordon

First impressions are measured within the first minute of an encounter; however, the true basis of this impression is built on how you see yourself up until that moment. Making a great first impression isn’t decided by the person you are meeting for the first time. The decision is made by you.

You design what the term “GREAT” means.

A lot of the pressure on making a great first impression stems from us believing that we should be what others expect us to be. When you believe those two ideas—who you really are and who you think you should be in others’ eyes— don’t line up, you begin to beat yourself up for what you believe is a “BAD” first impression.

All it takes is a glance of one’s shoes or a reaction to a swift hand gesture for someone to evaluate and determine an opinion about you. I understand that we all want to make a great first impression, but the reality is sometimes we are not what people expect us to be. And here is the A-HA moment…

THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FINE.

So, he thought you were distant. Well, maybe you are timid and quiet. These two adjectives can be misinterpreted if it is based on a one-minute encounter. The conclusion that he drew about you is really an analysis of his thought process. More significantly, you now know one of his assumptions that he has created throughout his life.

The point I am trying to make is, try not to put a lot of weight on how others’ see you. The best thing you can do is focus on the impression you give yourself. Once you have acquired a stable peace about who you are—flaws and all— the anxiety of making a “GREAT” first impression will disappear.

Find your awareness in  your greatness.

That is what will show when you meet others.

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