Have you always wanted to be the cool guy, who always seems to
do the right thing? Or are you dying to be the cool girl, who flows
through life with ease and grace? Are all of the 'cool' kids making
fun of you? Here are some steps that define the essence of being
cool. The rest is up to you.
Steps
- Take a deep breath. Being cool is all about being relaxed and
comfortable in any circumstance.
- Don't care what others think.You'll never be able to please
everyone, so why bother trying? People have millions of ways to get
under your skin. Learn to spot them and become immune.
- Be aware of how people perceive you. This might seem to
contradict step 2, but there's a difference in letting people's
judgments affect your self esteem, and being aware of how you come
off to others. In terms of physical appearance, beware of food
getting stuck in your teeth, bad breath, body odor, toilet paper
stuck to your shoe, etc. In terms of composure, try not to stare
too much (it makes people uncomfortable), stand/sit up straight (it
makes you look and feel more confident), smile generously, be
polite and considerate, etc.
- Present yourself in a way that makes you feel the most
comfortable and confident. Even if people snort about it when you
walk by, remember that ultimately like lying on your bed, you'll
feel ten times more uncomfortable wearing something that just isn't
you. Walk with good posture and look people in the eye. If you
slump or stare at your feet, people won't respect you. You have to
look and feel confident in order to receive the respect you
need.
- Find real friends. For example, if people don't hang out with
you because you don't wear designer clothes, they are not real
friends. Instead, find friends that see you for who you are. If the
people standing in front of you can't see you for you, then how can
they be your friend?
- Never slam people, or put them down, just because they aren't
as cool as you. It really hurts, especially if you're on the
receiving end. People may think mean people are cool, that's
because they're scared of them. Cool people are the people that
talk to and are friends with EVERYONE!
- Don't be afraid to be different, whether that means standing up
for yourself, defending someone else, or taking interest in
something that no one else does, like playing an instrument or
dancing when no one else will. The coolest people are the
ones who occasionally break against the tide and make people
question the status quo.
- Don't lose your cool. If you feel yourself about to lose your
temper, or burst into tears, or lose control in any way, take a
deep breath and excuse yourself.
- Practice your voice. Talk with clear voice and add some bass in
it. Remember that the way you speak is equally important as the way
you show up yourself. Learn not to ask questions and speak with
statements.
- Say what you feel and don't be shy when doing so. Be confident
in your word and don't let anyone try and change it. If you state
your opinion and people disagree, don't worry. You said what you
felt and people will respect you for that. However, make it count.
Don't shout out your opinion just to be heard. Make sure it's
relevant, and be ready to back it up soundly.
- Let the conversation flow. Have light topics you can go on and
speak about. What's hot in pop-culture is always a good topic.
Avoid topics that do not fit the conversation (ex - talking about
work and school after everyone has just been at work or school all
day. If you must mention these subjects, just make a comment and
then move on).
- Have good stories you can inject into the conversation. But
don't use them just to look cool. Use them only when the
conversation has right spot for them. Remember, cool people have
many cool stories because their life is so cool.
- Learn how
