“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

These famous words are from a woman we like to call a real Lady Leader: Maya Angelou. Because we only have one chance to make a first impression, I like to remind myself of her quote right before meeting new women, business partners or clients.

First impressions matter so much because they happen fast, and once these ‘split second judgements’ are formed, they’re very hard to change. In order to start our new relationships strong from the start, you first have to ‘take a look in the mirror’.

Let’s do a little experiment. First think of the one person you would really like to meet. It might be a film star, the Dalai Lama, maybe Oprah… or just that potential big client you just heard about. Imagine that you got lucky, and got a chance to meet and interview this person tonight.

Then answer these questions:

• What would you wear?
• What would you do?
• How would you feel?

If you’ve got a vivid imagination, maybe you’ve experienced some feelings of nervousness. Recognise how you naturally want to make an effort with your appearance and behaviour to make a good impression? Now, let’s take it one step further: Just for a moment try to step into the shoes of the person you’ve just met. Imagine that you were to meet yourself for the first time.

• What is your appearance?
• What is your body language?
• What is your style in clothing and makeup?
• What makes you original?
• What is your message?
• In other words: What would your first impression be?

Realise that all this happens many times in your day without you even realising it.

Now the big question is of course: Does the image you’re projecting truly say something about who you really are? If not, don’t worry! First impressions can easily improve with a a few minor adjustments. You can think of changing your hairstyle, collect makeup tips for your eye shape to have a more open look, practice your ‘elevator pitch’, or throw in some power poses!

But always remember: in the end, it’s all about how you make them feel!

Mae Belteyn
Sacred Ritualist

Burn out. The to-do list became too long. Because I couldn’t move a muscle, I was forced to ‘follow’ this time. Follow my body. Follow the rhythm of day and night. Follow the dinner schedule of the people who prepared it for me. I thought I was going to lose my mind for sure. And I did.
I lost all the mind chatter saying I had to do this or that, just to feel ‘good enough’. And slowly instead of leading by mind, I started to follow my soul.

Now, think about it. Do you lead? Or do you follow?

I had to dig deep and lie in a bed for a year, just to be able to listen to the soft whisperings of my soul. I felt I had no future. The past was gone too. Completely in the now, my whole being became very quiet. The loud mind chatters softened too. Fortunately, you don’t have to lie still for such a long time, there is another way.

Did you ever dance with a partner who is a great leader on the dance floor?

You can totally lose yourself in those leading arms, floating away on the rhythm of the music. It’s funny how we can find freedom in someone else directing how, and when we move. But at some point the music stops, and you’re own your own again. What to do then? Follow or lead?

During my recovery I was lead to an old, ochre and gold colored temple in the north of Thailand, where a buddhist monk saved my life by reminding me of my destiny. I would love to tell you the whole story one day about how I went bamboo rafting, and how following the wild river ended up being very dangerous. For now, let me just share this: with his message, the monk helped me to Design my own Destiny. I just had to follow AND lead at the right times, just like a dance.

Mae Belteyn
Sacred Ritualist

Watch out for our coming blogs! We will share more on hairstyles, makeup tips, elevator pitches and power posing in the near future! Want personal guidance? Check out our retreat, let us help you to make a lasting impression!