I really do notice posture.  We all do, even if subconsciously.   It is the posture of people that just so reflects how they are feeling in that moment.  And I truly believe and notice that our posture reverberates ‘feelings’ to those around us.

The other day I was at the bank.  A young woman ‘schloffed’ passed me.  She was folded in on herself, she was lost in her thoughts, and her shoulders were slumped.  She could have been dwelling on a number of things – a great sadness that she was dealing with, complete exhaustion from her long day, or just a general feeling of absolute boredom with her work.  I suspect that it was the latter as she was working at this particular bank!  

In that moment I felt sad for her but also hoped that she was not going to be looking after me.  Her heart would not have been in it.  Would she have cared enough about me as a client to want to be of excellent service – from her overall demeanour, I would say absolutely not!

Posture is part of what I talk about when with clients.  Whether you are at an interview, or just talking about where you are currently at within your working place, having a deportment that is upright just speaks volumes.  You might not feel self assured, but in being strong in your core so you evoke confidence in the person that you are speaking to.  Whether sitting or standing, having your shoulders back and your body lengthened just does create an impression that you are sure of yourself.  And this is important to remember for many situations.  Your posture can diminish yourself – or uplift yourself.  

Yes, there are many times when it is entirely appropriate to be curled inwards – but I am speaking about those times when impressions matter. Before an interview, try out the ‘power pose’ – stand tall, chin up and with your hands firmly on your hips.  Channel your inner ‘superwoman’.  Breathing calmly, be in this pose for a minute or so.  The feedback to your brain is powerful – you look confident and you will most certainly feel it!  Alongside this pose, speak to yourself with words of great encouragement.  Remind yourself that you are well able.  

When you are working at your desk – hold yourself well. You will feel far more engaged and productive.  It seems like such a ‘basic’ thing to be thinking about – but it really is so impactful.  

May you have a very good week ahead, a week where you accomplish all that you set out to do.