We have all heard the statement that the enemy of great is average. Many incredible individuals have vast potential to live their lives in the realm of the extraordinary, but they have often sabotaged themselves with the fear of looking different or sounding different from the crowd. Many want to blend in, many want to avoid sticking out like the proverbial sore thumb.
This desire to fit in with the crowd can rob you of the greatest advantage you have as a person…your uniqueness.
In my first year at university, my dean of students made a statement that has stuck with me throughout the years and perhaps even shaped my desire to make a difference while I was at college. She stated that the one thing that will make me stand out from the crowd was leadership. I was 17 years old at the time and having survived sticking out like a sore thumb at a new high school which I had attended for nineteen months prior to university admission; I was no stranger to not being a part of the crowd. I was used to being different.
This statement later inspired me to start an International Club that became popular and earned me two institutional awards.
Being different is often frowned upon by those who lack the courage to make a change in their lives. It is often frowned upon by those who lack the desire to make a difference. Envious and jealous people will never encourage others to step out of their comfort zone or make that vital change that could transform their lives. Hence there is a need for you to be mindful of how you are influenced by your friends and perhaps even family.
Truth be told, to be highly successful in life, you need to be able to pay attention to the details. As an image consultant, certain changes that I often recommend to clients are often frowned upon as frivolous or been perfectionist. However, we would all agree that we don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.
We also agree that those whom we admire, uphold in society or use as role models are a notch above the rest when it comes to personal development. It does not make sense to drive an expensive Mercedes Benz, park it at the car lot, walk into a formal dinner in your tuxedo or dress that cost more than some people’s annual pay; and then exhibit poor dining etiquette.
We have seen many of our fellow citizens in this situation too many times.
So what is social etiquette worth?
What price tag would you place on the polishing of a gemstone without which the gem would remain without any beauty and fail to radiate or reflect light? Our polish makes us radiate and showcase our fine education and interesting professional experience.
So what is etiquette?
Etiquette is sometimes looked upon as a set of mannerisms for those who are "into the subject".
However like John Maxwell said, "Leadership is influence. Nothing more, nothing less".
According to one of my mentors, Deborah Smith Pegues: etiquette is consideration, convenience and common sense. Nothing more, nothing less. She also further states that your proper behaviour is not meant to make others feel inferior or uncomfortable in anyway. If you take a closer look at the rules of etiquette you will come to discover this truth.
Jesus Christ said "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". I am yet to meet one single person who would not like to be treated with consideration, common sense and convenience.
So next time you come across an article or a book or an electronic media program on modern manners and simple courtesy, do not fast forward your reading to ‘something more interesting’.
Take a moment to reflect on how you could be more considerate, use more common sense in your daily activities, and take advantage of that which is convenient rather than that which would pose more complications in your everyday life.
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