Tips To An Easier Life

By Brian Maynor

 

Wouldn’t it be great if life were just a little bit easier?

I think so, and I’m sure you do too.  Luckily there are quick and easy ways to make that happen that also have other advantageous side effects.

Here are a few of the most effective, easy and impactful ways to make your life a little easier right now:

1.    It’s all about the eyes.  Looking someone in the eyes is a useful trick in a number of situations.  When someone is giving you an unsatisfactory answer this is a great way to ‘encourage’ them to elaborate without you having to say a word.  It also helps to make a mental note of someone’s eye color when you meet them.  The information won’t be useful in the future, but it ensures optimal eye contact.

2.    Ask to borrow a pencil or pen.  When you have the impression someone doesn’t particularly care for you, ask to borrow their pencil or pen.  It’s a simple request that forces the other person to engage you, plus it goes a long way to engender friendliness and concern.

3.     Limit your options if you can’t decide.  When you find it hard to make a decision start eliminating some of the choices.  When we have too many options it is easy to become paralyzed by indecision.  According to multiple studies, four is the maximum number of options we can consider at a time and still make a decision.

4.    Sit up straight and spread out.  It’s easy to practice good posture when you feel confident, but it’s actually more important to practice it when you don’t.  Sitting or standing up straight is a power pose that will naturally boost confidence levels, as will taking up more space around you.  When we feel insecure we tend to shrink into the background, only emphasizing our insecurity.

5.    Ask for help.  If you need help the best way to get it is by literally asking for it.  Start the conversation with “I need your help.”  This makes the other person feel needed and plays on the aversion to feeling guilty.  If you need help carrying something it helps to hand it to them while you’re talking.  Chances are they won’t even register the request and simply take the item.

6.    Sit close to someone if you feel threatened.  Whether it’s a heated discussion or a critical meeting, if you want to lessen the potential of an attack sit close to the other person.  Close physical proximity makes people feel uncomfortable and will decrease their level of aggression.  It also helps to remain calm if they raise their voice.  Not only will you defuse the situation more quickly, you also heighten the other person’s sense of guilt when their anger passes.

These may seem like simple mind tricks, but you will be surprised by their effectiveness.  Part of making life easier is about getting more of what you want quickly and simply, and these tips will help you do that.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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