What is a Habit?
A habit is a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and often occurs subconsciously. These repeated practices become automatic—second nature to us.
Our conscious thoughts gradually become our habits.
Habits Recap
- Our habits define our capability to perform.
- Once formed, habits are hard to change.
- Cultivate good habits, and diminish the bad.
- A habit isn’t something you simply learn—it’s something you cultivate.
Steps to Forming a Habit:
- Learn a task
- Add some skills
- Repeat continually and consistently
- It becomes a habit
Examples of Good Habits
- Greeting someone politely
- Managing time effectively
- Practicing teamwork
- Using a calendar smartly
- Taking notes during meetings
Positive Habits for Success
Your personal and professional success depends heavily on the habits you build.
Great habits lead to great performance.
When excellence becomes a habit, success feels natural and effortless.
PERSONALITY ENRICHMENT
What is Personality Enrichment?
Personality Enrichment is the development of organized behavior patterns and attitudes that make a person distinctive. It’s shaped by the interaction of temperament, character, and environment.
Your personality is:
- The sum total of your psychological traits, habits, beliefs, attitudes, and motives
- What makes you unique, noticeable right from birth
Change Your Mindset
We all want to be happy and successful—that’s the ultimate goal.
But let’s face it: some days, happiness feels far away. The truth is:
It’s all in our head.
Your thoughts shape your mindset, and your mindset shapes your behavior.
First Impressions Matter
- First impressions are visual and instantaneous
- Formed within 3–7 seconds
- Set the tone for everything that follows
Key Elements of First Impressions:
- You
- The Stranger
- The Situation
Essential Factors for a Great First Impression
1. Hygiene
- Oral hygiene is crucial
- Be mindful of how others react to your presence
Do’s:
- Avoid excessive consumption of pungent food
- Smokers: Always wash hands and chew gum after
- Rinse your mouth before and after every meal
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Regularly check body odour and maintain freshness
Hygiene is non-negotiable. Practice it daily.
2. Grooming
Grooming means taking care of your appearance—clean face, skin, nails, and hair.
Looking good isn’t vanity; it’s about being:
- Authentic
- Appropriate
- Attractive
- Assured
Grooming Tips:
For Her
- Skin Care: Cleanse, tone, moisturize, apply sunscreen
- Hair Care: Conservative styles; let your face do the talking
- Nails: No chipped polish; keep clean and trimmed
Looking polished conveys that you’re trustworthy and professional.
For Him
- Face: Clean-shaven; trim moustache and sideburns
- Nails: Dirt-free, smooth, neatly trimmed
- Hair: Simple, moderately short
Don’t forget your most important accessory—your SMILE.
Why First Impressions Are So Important
Research shows:
- 17 seconds to form a first impression
- 55% is based on appearance
- 7% on words used
- 38% on tone of voice
Often, first impressions are irreversible.
Ask yourself: Do I make an outstanding first impression?
PROFESSIONAL DRESSING
Dress How You Want to Be Addressed
- Your appearance communicates who you are
- Blend in but also stand out with confidence
Workplaces today are becoming more casual, making it harder to define “professional attire.” Still, dressing well doesn’t need to be expensive or confusing.
Brush Up on Office Attire
Learn the difference between:
- Business Professional Attire
- Business Casual Attire
Follow your industry’s dress code, especially in conservative environments.
Levels of Dressing
Level 1 – Untailored (Open Collar Look)
Message Delivered:
- Casual
- Available
- Responsive
- Not meeting-ready
- Temporary
- Unofficial
Level 2 – Casual Tailored (Collared Shirts)
Message Delivered:
- Approachable
- Relaxed
- Conscientious
- Influential
- Flexible
Level 3 – Softly Tailored (Jacket)
Message Delivered:
- Influential
- Capable
- Consistent
- Accessible
- Less formal
Level 4 – Matched Suit (Fully Formal)
Message Delivered:
- Straight lines
- Strong contrast
- Geometric patterns
- Dark colors
- Firm fabrics
- Professional tone
Tip: Always dress one level higher than required.
Key Considerations
Ask yourself:
- What is the activity?
- What is the occasion?
- Where is it happening?
- Who will be there?
- What time of day?
Power Dressing Tips
For Ladies
Suit Up: Choose timeless styles in dark, neutral tones. Skirts or trousers—both work.
Slinky Shirt: Ivory or white, fits snugly under your coat, buttons intact. Creamy silk works too.
Shoes: Comfortable with a slight heel. Wedges or formal flats are fine. Cleanliness is key.
Bold Tip: A red lipstick adds confidence and style.
For Gentlemen
Suit:
- Solid, dark classic style
- Light-colored shirt
- Deep-hued, simple patterned tie
- Dark shoes (black or brown)
Accessories:
- A classy watch signals prestige
- Pocket squares add elegance to blazers
Yin & Yang: The Balance of Dressing
What is Yin and Yang in Style?
Every piece of clothing communicates something. Understanding Yin (soft) and Yang (bold) styles helps align clothing with your personality and purpose.
Yin (Receding) Elements
- Curved lines and shapes
- Thin, soft fabrics
- Light colors, low contrast
- Sheer or natural patterns
- Subtle and gentle vibe
Yin Communicates:
- Warmth
- Nurturing
- Flexibility
- Openness
Yang (Advancing) Elements
- Straight, thick, vertical lines
- Geometric or abstract prints
- High contrast, bold colors
- Crisp, shiny, structured fabrics
- Strong and commanding look
Yang Communicates:
- Confidence
- Boldness
- Decisiveness
- Professionalism
How to Apply Yin & Yang
- Match your personality with your outfit
- Balance your physical appearance
- Let your clothes speak without words
Perfect dressing is about harmony—in shape, color, and message.
To Sum It All Up
Your habits, personality, and appearance all play a vital role in how others perceive you.
- Build positive habits that drive performance
- Enrich your personality by changing your mindset
- Create lasting impressions with hygiene and grooming
- Understand the power of professional dressing
- Use the balance of Yin and Yang to dress with intention
When done right, your appearance becomes your silent ambassador.
