Research indicates that we have from .5 to 7 seconds to make a first impression. Not a lot of time, is it? As a result, many who coach others in business, education and relationship building focus on creating strong first impressions. Creating powerful first impressions is very important; however, what if we blow our chance? What happens if stumble or fumble our way through those first few seconds? Have we lost our opportunity to impress and influence? Perhaps not!
The Dakota (Native American) people have a proverb that states, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.” What a shift of focus! Yes, making a good first impression is indeed important; however forging a life-long legacy exceeds the art of the first impression. Think about the power in this proverb! The tracks we leave define our influence.
The tracks we leave behind as we journey through life not only tell others where we’ve been, they also leave clues about the stops we make along the way. Our trail reflects what we consider important in life. We tend to spend time investing in the things we believe will benefit us the most.
Creating a life legacy that deserves emulation requires that we spend more time contemplating the value of our interactions with others. This focus goes well beyond a mere first impression. It requires us to do a few things well and consistently over time. What are those things? A few follow here:
- We must learn to walk circumspectly paying attention to everything going on around us.
- We must learn to dispense grace to others in need.
- We must learn to think critically.
- We must learn to respond with kindness.
- We must learn to develop core values that require service to others.
Obviously, I could share more actions; however, I believe these five are representative of what is required to leave a tracks worth following.
Pay attention to those first impressions! They are important. However, if you really want to leave lasting impressions, pay attention to the tracks you leave behind!
Peace!
