What qualities attract opportunities in business and life?

In the past few weeks, our usual way of life has been totally flipped on its head. The health pandemic we now face has tested us as humans, and its times like these when we see the best - and also the worst - in human behaviour.

It got me thinking what while I often talk about the importance of appearance and how you present yourself, it's not just the outside that is responsible for helping us attract opportunities and reach our goals in life. 

Our beliefs and behaviour also have a huge impact on what opportunities come our way, and when we are in difficult times, I find that these traits are even more important. 

So here are my 5 key qualities that will help set you apart and attract opportunities in business and life.

1. Respect

Laurence Stern, the Irish novelist said “Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.” 

Respect is the foundation for every successful and healthy relationship, whether it's personal or professional. Having respect means that we value and accept the other person - including their diversity and difference from ourselves.

Both self respect and respect for others are equally important. Without the former, we can't exhibit the latter. In workplaces, respect has been shown to be the most important factor in employee/leader relations. Yet whether you are a leader, employee or CEO of your own business, showing respect for others allows others to feel recognised and valued. 

2. Honest

As a child I can always remember being taught that honesty is the best policy, yet there were also times when I told a few big whoppers! These were later confessed to my parents and I felt embarrassed and ashamed for what I had done and/or said.

Being open and honest helps us feel good about ourselves and helps others build trust in us. On the flip side, lying can cause negative emotions and feelings to arise and can easily cause situations to take a negative turn.

3. Confident

Far from the self-obsessed and vain, self-confidence is about deeply believing in ones self and what one has to offer. It allows us to stop worrying about whether we are good enough, and use our energy for what's important.

Self confidence is contagious and we are naturally drawn to those who are comfortable in themselves and who truly accept themselves. It also dramatically improves your chance of success no matter what pursuit you are going after.

4. A Positive Mindset

Just like those who exhibit self confidence, we are also drawn to those people with a positive mindset. When we are in the presence of someone with positive energy, it's easy for us to feel positive, lit up and get some of those good vibes!

We all give and receive energy, and we have an innate sense to feel the energy that others project; if it's negative, it's no fun for you or anyone that you interact with. Focusing on the positive and projecting that to everyone around you will ensure that is reflected back to you in the form of people and opportunities that come your way.

5. Compassionate

Think back to the last time you felt really listened to when you had a problem with a company? Did they give you a standard, read-from-a-script response, or did they take a genuine interest in your problem and look at how they could help you?

When we listen to the needs of others and provide comfort and support, our compassion helps us connect with others. Compassionate leaders and workplaces have been shown to help employees flourish because they feel cared for. It's a game changer when it comes to building relationships (and profits).

In the words of the wise Dalai Lama, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” 

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?Lucy Owens, founder of Style Rises, is a personal stylist, communication consultant and mindset coach who loves bringing powerful personal style into the lives, businesses, brands, and careers of her high-achieving clients.

Deeply passionate about transforming women’s confidence through their closets, Lucy has fallen in love with watching women skyrocket their promotional appeal through reclaiming their power. As a certified image consultant who understands personal branding, power positioning, and has first-hand experience of working in the corporate world for luxury fashion and hospitality brands, Lucy has become an image advocate for women making an impact.

 If you'd like to discuss how Lucy can resurrect your style confidence, get in touch.