2012 Resolution #26: Meet New People
Posted on January 30, 2012 by Maria McInnis, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
#26 in our series on resolutions, today about meeting others and the importance of sharing yourself with the world.
Resolve to meet new people this year.
How often have I heard people say that they have a hard time meeting new people? Generally I ask them how it’s possible, and 85% of the time the answer I receive is that they never go anywhere. “Then you’re not having a hard time meeting people, they’re having problems finding you because you keep hiding.”
Never be afraid to meet new people: the connections we make with people are so important to changing our worlds, and despite the various excuses I’ve heard over the years, it’s never harder then smiling and saying “Hi.”
People delight in meeting others, especially those who open new realms of possibility to them. Some people use the excuse that they have nothing to offer others, and I ask them if they are in the habit of making choices for others.
The fact is that you never know what someone else needs, and sometimes it is something, however small, you have to offer: whether it’s a business opportunity, a smiling face or a friendship to last a lifetime.
Growing up I had the chance to hear a beautiful parable told by the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia that talks about this need that people have for one another. I was told that above, through a tree in the forest may seem to stand alone, proud and tall, reaching for the sky above, it is beneath, in the roots that we see the truth: for under the ground the entire forest of roots are inter-tangled, and the only reason that the forest can stand together is because they are all holding hands.
In most business courses they will tell you that making the connection is important, and this is true. Social networking has become a multifaceted tool that now leads us into a realm where it is both easier and harder to meet people who share interests with us. In some ways it has become a crutch.
When I say meet someone new, I mean to step away from the computer, and into the real world where there are billions of lives waiting to experience your affect in their lives. Make conversation with a complete stranger – I have done this before and come away with friends who I talk to almost daily – or ask a question of someone who is ‘in the business’ of your choice.
“All human beings have an innate need to hear and tell stories and to have a story to live by.” – Harvey Cox
There is a wonderful thing that happens once communication is established, and you show rapport in your body language: people will begin to open up. Now, this isn’t universal, in some cases there are reasons a person has to hurry away, but don’t let this discourage you. If they politely excuse themselves, let them go.
But, you will also be surprised at how little this will happen. People love meeting each other, and being approached by ‘someone’ can add a thrill to their day.
This resolution is also a dare: to find someone new to talk with at least once a month throughout this year. Strike up a conversation that has more to do with just the weather. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always walk with your head held high: just remember, you have something to offer to someone, somewhere…now you just need to find them.
Quantum Performance Management – Maria McInnis
