That 2nd & 3rd Impression!

You’ve heard the saying, “You only get one chance to make that first impression”. It’s a valuable saying and will definitely make your life easier. However, I have found that, sometimes… first impressions can be out of your control. You see a person or a person sees you… and a snap judgment can be made based on how you dress, the color of their skin, how they shake your hand, etc. Yes… it’s best not to judge a book by its cover; its human nature. The same snap judgement you can be criticized for… is the same snap judgment that keeps you safe, able to make quick decisions based on your gut, and has kept human beings alive for since the beginning of time. It’s not going anywhere… so it’s your job to figure out how to use it best and EVOLVE!

As a freshman in college, I remember walking into my very first English class… and stumbled into an argument/debate! I’m not sure how the conversation started, but my professor stated that he didn’t notice my color or race when I walked into the room. As a dark-skinned African-American male football player at 6ft. nearly 200lb in a predominately White school and the only person of color in the class… it aggravated me that he argued he didn’t notice. How could you not? Regardless of what he thought of me… how can you not notice! So, Step 1… It’s OK to notice and respect the noticeable differences of others. People are alike in so many ways… everyone is doing the best they can, with what they know, and what they have, caring for their love ones, the best way they are willing and/or capable. That bonds us as a people… our differences are what adds the variety and an opportunity to learn and grow! Acknowledging it, learning it, and respecting it creates learning and evolution!

Step 2 is focusing on the 2nd impression. Yes, you have limited control over how some people see you. You may decide to dress up, smell nice, walk the confident walk, and make an interest in every room you enter… and some people will still not like you, have negative things to say, etc. The 2nd Impression involves what comes out of your mouth after they have made their first impression! This is the key… a great initial impression can be blown to smithereens in an instant or a bad first impression can be redeemed and salvaged all based on what you say next! You have some control over the first impression … the 2nd you have total!

Lastly, Step 3 is your 3rd Impression. It’s what you do daily! Have you met the person that can turn it on for an hour or so… just long enough to interview well and get the job, or turn it on long enough to get the RELATIONSHIP they wanted… and then all heck breaks loose! You ARE your patterns. You are what you do daily! If you are interested in making a good, great, or improved impression… EVOLVE with these steps: 1. Acknowledge, accept, and enjoy the sameness and differences of others 2. Mind how you speak and engage… are you building up or tearing down? 3. Are your daily actions benefiting you, your relationships, and your life? Your life and lifestyle will become what you do daily! Enjoy your evolution and Happy EVOLVING!

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written by: Andre Young