Are you somebody other people want to be around? If not, why not? And if so, what are those characteristics that you think make people want to be around you? Are those the same characteristics of people you want to surround yourself with?
Since I work closely with a lot of people in my coaching practice, I’m an astute observer of human behavior. I listen to my clients’ complaints about the people in their lives and find common traits of these “problem” people. I also listen to the traits my clients find admirable, ones they would like to aspire to in themselves. So, I advise them to surround themselves with more of these kinds of people, the ones who have characteristics that make them stand out, make them special, and make people want to be around them.
These are some of the essential qualities I and my clients admire in quality people! You may find different ones that work best for you. I call these characteristics the 6 H’s.
1. Honest:
There’s no question in my mind that honesty is always the best policy. I love being around honest people, because they are unafraid to reveal themselves. They may not share every detail of their lives, but they are open, approachable, and real. And if you ask for an opinion or feedback, you will get the truth. They will hopefully be tactful and positive, but they won’t say what you want to hear just to keep the peace. Surrounding yourself with honest people is so refreshing, since we encounter many superficial people in our personal and professional lives.
2. Hard-working:
If you want something done, ask a busy person. Hard-working folks are committed, focused, and do what they say. I don’t necessarily mean workaholics, I’m just referring to those who do good work, enjoy their work, and care about their clients or customers. I love getting my hair cut by a hair stylist who loves what s/he does. I really enjoy taking my car to a mechanic who cares enough to tell me what he’s done on my car. These people have an old-fashioned work ethic, and it’s a inspiring to surround yourself with them.
3. Healthy:
I don’t find too many people in this category, however, those who are healthy in body, mind, and spirit are great teachers and mentors. I always want to know how they find the time and energy to eat right, work out, practice positive mindset, and balance it all so well. Many of my coaching clients struggle with one or several of these areas. They may have a well-functioning body but are challenged by their negative thoughts. Or they may be a happy, spiritual being who has weight issues. Even you find people who are healthy in one of these areas of mind, body, or spirit, learn what you can about how they got there and how they maintain their status. You may even ask them to coach or mentor you until you reach your goal.
4. Humorous:
We all need to learn to laugh at ourselves and at the foibles of life. Nothing is perfect, your expectations will not always be met, and people and life will disappoint you. Having a sense of humor can be a saving grace. I so admire people who can find the humor in difficult situations and who laugh easily. What a gift! Surround yourself with as many of these people as you can. They will certainly lighten your load. You may even learn to tell a few jokes!
5. Happy:
Who doesn’t want to be around happy people? Their joy is contagious. There are some people who seem to be happy for no reason, no matter what is going on in their lives. They see all of life–the highs and the lows–through their lens of happiness. Their attitude allows them to see the best in everything and everyone. They are great teachers, so make sure you surround yourself with happy people.
6. Helpful:
Supportive, generous, helping individuals are great to have around. They are amazing listeners. You can count on them when you’re down and need someone to talk to and when you’re up and you want a partner to celebrate with. They’re the ones who are active in causes and charities, have close relationships with family and friends, and work in the helping professions like doctors, teachers, and coaches. You want to have a few of these in your address book for emergencies!
Know that the more you surround yourself with people who have characteristics you admire, the more those characteristics will rub off on you!
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Thanks to Widow’s Quest for featuring this article in the Carnival of Positive Thinking, to Insight Writer for publishing this post in the Carnival of Personal Development, to Rich Life Carnival, and to 24 Hour Paradigm for including this article in the Day Shifting and paradigm Carnival.
