We often hear, here at The Art of Charm, that guys want to grow up faster.
They get out of college, see their college buddies leading stagnant lives and don’t want to be “that guy.”
Still, they aren’t sure how to take things to the next level. Attacking an entire problem, all at once, can seem like a huge undertaking.
But, there are so many little things you can do to seem more mature — simple things that will put you head and shoulders above your peers. This pays dividends on the job, out at bars and clubs, and even in making new friends. Here are a few ways to seem more mature:
Get A Calendar And Use It
It doesn’t matter if you get a Moleskine or just use Google Calendar; you should keep a calendar and try to put as much in it as possible.
This helps to make sure that you’re always meeting your commitments, you’re always on time for the things you’re supposed to do and you’re never left wondering if you have anything to do this weekend. While we’re on the subject of time…
Respect Other People’s Time
I’m in my 30s and still know people who fail to respect other people’s time. I hate when people are more than five minutes late. More than 15 minutes late? You’re really on my sh*t list. Anything over 20 minutes and I’ll think of you as a time-wasting flake.
The best, most simple advice you’ll ever get about this is probably something you’ve heard before: If you’re not ten minutes early, you’re late; if you’re on time, you’re ten minutes late.
Showing up early gives you time to make sure you’re never late. What’s more, when you do show up ten minutes early, you can use the time to collect yourself.
I’m not suggesting that you pick up a woman for a date ten minutes early. I’m just saying that if you arrive ten minutes early, you’re never going to be late. People will respect and appreciate that.
Never Agree To Something You Can’t Do
When you say you’re going to do something, follow through. This goes for everything from returning phone calls to following through on what you told some hot girl you would do for her.
People remember when a man follows through on his word. When you don’t have a lot of money or the best job, your word can be the best thing you can offer. Be a man of your word and people will pay you respect in return.
While you’re at it, you should always under-promise and over-deliver. Only promise to do half of what you actually can, so that you can deliver twice what you promised.
Find Out What People Need Then Give It To Them
This one really works when you’re on the job. If you’re the type of employee who finds out what the boss needs and gives it to him or her before asked, you’ve just become the favorite.
The absolute worst thing you can do is to be the type of guy who stands around, waiting to be told what to do. Finding out what needs to be done before you’re told is the exact opposite type of behavior, in a positive way.
Ask For — And Take — Honest, Constructive Feedback
People get better at things when people who are more experienced tell them what they’re doing wrong and how they can fix it. A lot of younger guys get their jimmies rustled when someone provides honest, constructive feedback. Don’t be that guy.
Be the type of guy who goes above and beyond and doesn’t mind if someone tells him what he did wrong. Thank the person for his or her feedback and do it better next time.
Photo Credit: Blank Check
