Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2014 42 L ast year, Americans spent $46 billion dollars on diet and exercise and a recorded $33 billion on cosmetics. One would think that with the amount of money spent, we should all be walking around looking like super models. In actuality, the opposite is true. The more we spend, the worse we look. How important are our looks, confidence, and appearance when it comes to landing interviews or being considered for a promotion? What do people see when they look at us? What do we see when we look at ourselves in the mirror? Are our looks taking away some of our confidence? How we see ourselves is how others will see us. Studies show that people tend to feel great when they look great. When a person has a polished appearance, other people will take notice. While you cannot live on compliments alone to boost your self-confidence, it is important that you give yourself compliments. If you don't control what you think about yourself, someone else will. Let's be honest. First impressions matter. The way people view us is how they will treat us. Fair or not, if a promotion is between two people with equal skills, the better looking person will most likely get the job. So what steps can we take towards getting that coveted job or promotion? These are the major areas we can focus on which will dramatically change our lives for the better! • Nutrition—"We are what we eat" is not a myth. We can make small steps every day to improve our nutrition. We can cut out fast food restaurants, substitute fruit for sugar, eat lean meats and cheese, and load our plates with colorful vegetables. A healthy diet that is low in fat and high in essential nutrients reduces the risk of memory loss, helps prevent strokes and boosts alertness. When we eat food high in antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, we nourish the body for optimal performance. Clean Fuel = Clean Energy. You wouldn't put junk in your car's gas tank, so don't put it in yours. • Sleep—It is recommended that we sleep 7.5 to 8 hours a night. The average American sleeps only 6. Sleep deprivation is serious and can cause health risks including obesity, diabetes, memory loss, increase cancer risk, increased stress, and poor relationships with others. • Physical Exercise—We do not move our bodies enough! Exercise is imperative for the proper functioning of our central nervous system, digestive system as well as keeping our bones strong. It is recommended that we spend 30 to 45 minutes 3 times a week performing cardiovascular exercise and 2 to 3 times a week strength training. However, any type of exercise (especially if this is new to you) is acceptable. Going on walks, hiking, biking, playing tennis, gardening, golf, dancing, swimming, and roller blading will all benefit your body. • Alcohol/Drugs/Substance Abuse—Just because your doc- tor prescribes it doesn't mean it's okay. Always question what you are putting in your body and research the drug being prescribed. As for alcohol and recreational drugs, it's better they are just left alone. No one should be consuming more than one drink a day. • Positive Environment—Surround yourself with positive people. People within your circle of influence with a negative attitude damages your aspirations and can hamper your attempts to better yourself. These type of people just hold you back and slowly poison you. To achieve your goals you need to gravitate towards successful people with a positive attitude. When the people you surround yourself with are positive, it begins to rub off on you. It funnels down into your everyday life on the job and at home. You begin to look at the bright side of every situation and try to find ways to solve problems and improve outcomes. It makes you want to work harder, to become as successful as they are, and make yourself indispensable and extraordinary. RO John Tschohl Customer Service John Tschohl is described by Time and Entrepreneur magazines asa customer service guru and service strategist—presents strategic keynote speeches to companies worldwide. He is the author of "Empowerment, A Way of Life." Contact: John@servicequality.com or www.customer-service.com. M IRROR, M IRROR ON THE WALL…

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