Our twenty-something years are critical and fundamental as we work to become the best version of ourselves. We’re all on our own individual quest to stand out in every facet of life. Whether you find yourself in a professional setting, at home with family, hanging with friends, spending time with your significant other, participating in a hobby, or being at peace with yourself, you should aim to present your best self across all parts of life.
Here are a 5 ways you can present your best self, no matter what situation or setting you find yourself in:
1. Take note of the emotions you’re presenting yourself with.
A genuine smile goes a long way. It demonstrates to others that you are approachable and welcoming of others. It also, unsurprisingly, indicates that you’re happy.
Happiness is super contagious, so when you slap on a smile and project happiness, you’re bound to attract equally positive and happy energy in return. Consider smiling so you’ll shine bright in any room you’re in.
It’s also key to remember that just because someone isn’t greeting you with a smile that there are many reasons this might be. Don’t take it too personally and try to move past the expression on their face to get to the person behind it.
2. Follow the rules of etiquette .
There are some obvious, unspoken rules of etiquette we all need to follow. Things like saying thank you, greeting others when you walk into a room, and being punctual when attending events or clocking in at work.
Following the rules of etiquette is a great way to present your best self. It shows that you are mindful of your actions, considerate of others, and thoughtful about your behavior. Being a genuinely polite person is bound to make others see the good in you.
3. Listen to others.
A big part of communication involves being a good listener. Whether you’re at work, with friends, or catching up with family, do your best to listen to others and really digest what they’re saying. This demonstrates to others that you care about what they have to say, which then leads into you being your best self.
4. Exude confidence
No matter where you are or what you’re doing, when you exude confidence you unknowingly present your best self. People appreciate confidence. It demonstrates that you know who you are, what you want, and where you’re going in life. When you’re confident, people are bound to trust you more, listen to you more closely, and care about your opinion. Be confident, but be authentically confident, to be your best self.
5. Dress for the occasion
Always dress to impress, wherever you go. Don’t show up to work in sweats. Don’t wear a tight dress to a family gathering. While the don’ts seem obvious, it sometimes helps to hear the reminder to dress for the occasion. At work, follow your company’s dress code. In social situations, dress in a way you feel comfortable while also looking put together. When you dress your best you feel your best, and that leads into presenting your best self.
Regardless of who you’re around, where you are, or what you’re doing, you should always aim to present your best self. You never know what situation could lead to a new job opportunity, a new friendship or relationship, or new opportunity to take advantage of. When you present your best self, you’re showing the world the parts of you you’re proudest of. Let the good in you shine bright! Be genuine. Be authentic. Be your best self.
About the Author
Rachael is a University of Southern Maine graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Sociology. She remotely works full-time as a Senior Content Marketing Specialist for Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. In her leisure time, Rachael enjoys traveling with her husband, finding the next Netflix series to binge, and taking too many photos of her dogs Jax and Kai. Rachael is obsessed with chapstick, favors the Oxford comma, and is a proud Mainer. You'll likely find her exploring New England + beyond.