Have you ever wondered why some people are unforgettable? How can you develop your personality to become one of them?
The Road to Character
by David Brooks
⏱ 15 minutes reading time
🎧 Audio version available
Being a Natural Giver Makes You Unforgettable
Unforgettable people are selfless, and that, in itself, makes them unique.
We often expect something in return when we give.
However, the best way you can perform is by learning to do something out of love without expecting anything in return.
Next time you give a favor, do it without expecting anything back.
Feel the joy of giving. If you receive something in return, it will feel great; if not, it won’t be a big deal.
Laughing at Yourself Makes You Unforgettable Too
When you take yourself too seriously, you hold yourself to an impossibly high standard. This inevitably causes problems for you and those around you. Anytime you can’t reach that standard, you feel bad.
Those who don’t take themselves too seriously are comfortable with who they are and what they do because they appreciate themselves and have learned to embrace their imperfections.
If something doesn’t go their way, they can laugh at the situation and themselves.
As Mark Twain once declared, “The human race has only one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.”
Embrace your imperfections without hesitation. Fall in love with them. Learn to laugh at yourself as you would with your best friend when hearing a joke. And don’t get upset over little things; laugh at them, instead. That’s a sign of confidence.
Not to Impress Others Is Unforgettable
No doubt, when you see someone trying too hard to impress, the first thing you notice is insecurity.
When someone talks about themselves naturally instead of stretching the truth and is genuinely interested in knowing more about you, their company is enjoyable. The conversation is balanced.
Unforgettable people typically speak about themselves only when asked to, and they don’t overwhelm you with too many details.
They don’t feel the need to impress others.
When you talk to them, they are relaxed, natural, and casual.
If you often find yourself working hard to impress others, work on yourself and on your self-confidence instead. Your confidence will draw others to you.
When you know your value and have high self-esteem, you won’t feel the need to prove yourself to others.
Having Strong Boundaries Makes Anyone Unforgettable
Understanding how to create personal limits is essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Many people acknowledge what the word “boundaries” means, but they have no idea what they are or how to use them. You might consider boundaries like a property line or “brick wall” used to keep people away from places they shouldn’t go.
But boundaries are not lines drawn in the sand that are clear for all to see.
Boundaries are a method to take care of ourselves. When you learn how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, you can bypass the feelings of resentment, disappointment, and anger that build up when your limits are pushed or tested.
Never give up on who you are, your standards, and your passions — as long as they doesn’t interfere with respecting others. Be you.
Having Your Emotions Under Control
Unforgettable people don’t act on their emotions without thinking.
They reflect before responding. If someone hits a nerve, they take their time to cool off before reacting.
Controlling your emotions is one of the most attractive traits you can have.
Sometimes it’s difficult being around people who drive you nuts, I know. However, it’s how you respond that creates your personality, not how others communicate with you. And you can teach yourself to have control over that.
Whenever someone says or does something that pisses you off, take a deep breath and pull out a pen and piece of paper.
Then, give yourself time to cool off. For example, wait for 24 hours to pass before you take any action.
Journaling whatever is going on in your head will help you dissipate those negative emotions. In addition, taking a breather will help you process and work on your feelings without acting on them.
Being Genuinely Happy for Other People’s Success
Envy is genuinely one of the worst threats to a positive personality.
Miserable, insecure people are naturally jealous, which prevents them from connecting with others.
Unforgettable people are pleased when it comes to the achievements of others.
Envy can be deadly to relationships. However, when your partner is your cheerleader instead, and vice-versa, the bond grows stronger because you both know you have a faithful ally by your side.
And this works with any kind of relationship.
Don’t compare yourself to others. You can be successful like others; the crucial thing is that you pursue your dreams as they do theirs.
Learn to praise the victories of others.
Don’t feel anxious about other people’s success. Make it a reason to celebrate life instead.
Being naturally happy for others is one of the qualities that will make you unforgettable.
Being Passionate About Something Is A Trait Unforgettable People Have in Common
People who are highly passionate about something are beautiful.
It could be enthusiasm for ten various things or even just one simple hobby.
People who chase a career, a hobby, or any kind of dream with passion have a sense of the excitement of life that you cannot ignore.
Their enthusiasm and passion are infectious, and that, in itself, makes them unforgettable.
But let’s be honest. You can’t force passion.
So, make sure you find something that you genuinely love. It can be writing, journaling, playing an instrument, your job, dancing, anything.
If you haven’t found anything that really speaks to you yet, try different things; learn, travel, and of course, read a lot.
Enjoy the process. You will ultimately find your life path, and you will fall in love with it. This passion will make you unforgettable.
Being Kind to Strangers Is Another Thing Unforgettable People Have in Common
Treating others badly shows you have low integrity, compassion, and even self-respect, because people with a high level of self-respect don’t feel the need to act as if they’re above others.
This is something unforgettable people have in common. They never treat others badly, and that speaks volumes about them.
Be warm, loving, and friendly. Call people by their name.
If you don’t know their name, ask it. Remember that others enjoy kindness too. Be the person who brightens someone else’s day.
Being Self-Confident And Staying Humble Is The Best Quality Unforgettable People Have in Common
Unforgettable people are confident. You can see it in how they walk, how they talk, and how they seem relaxed and comfortable in any situation.
Their confidence is healthy because they know their worth and they believe in themselves.
They learned to adapt their imperfect and most authentic self. And they are incredibly humble.
The combination of confidence and humility is especially attractive.
When someone is self-confident but also humble, you are more likely to feel drawn to them since you will never, nor should ever, feel threatened by them.
It’s natural to open up to them, which creates a connection.
Remember that your flaws won’t make you unlikable. On the contrary, they make you authentic, and there’s nothing more beautiful than that.
Your flaws are what make you unforgettable.
Learn to adapt to your imperfect and vulnerable side and find the beauty in it. That’s the starting point of true confidence.
However, remind yourself that others are just as beautiful and unique as you are; no one is better than anyone.
This will help you stay humble.
Taking Care of Your Body To Be Unforgettable
Unforgettable people consistently take care of their bodies by eating extremely healthy, staying hydrated, taking long walks, meditating, and working out regularly, which is attractive because it is a sign of self-respect and self-love.
When you genuinely love yourself, you automatically take care of yourself as you would a loved one. You want the best for them and you want the best for yourself.
And that truly makes you unforgettable.
Your body and mind are your most important assets.
Remember that always loving and taking care of yourself gives you the fuel you need to be your best every day.
This means, not only consuming healthy foods, drinking water, and working out, which is natural, but also keeping your health on track and making it your first priority.
Learning and applying these superficial qualities can transform your relationship with yourself and with others.
If you want people to remember you positively, keep this in mind: it all comes down to how you treat yourself and others.
Unforgettable people are not necessarily drop-dead gorgeous.
What they have in common is that you experience strong positive emotions in their company.
They love to spread positivity and are happy if they can make you happy.
Be like them, be unforgettable. But what do you think? Which of these traits do you consider the most important? Maybe you have another trait you would like to share?
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