It’s been said that all of us light up the room—some of us when we enter it and others when we leave. Which one are you? Hopefully, you’re positively influence others. If you’re unsure, follow along for some tips to be mindful of as you grow in your influence.

Show Kindness

Next time you find yourself in a frustrating situation, be mindful of whether you’re reacting or responding to the situation. Reacting can often lead to regret. Taking a moment to pause and then maturely responding will often lead to a more positive outcome. As emotional beings, it’s natural for us to want to react to any and every situation. So much so that the person involved in the situation with you will notice how you react or respond. They might expect you to get upset, yell, etc. Responding more maturely and calmly will positively impact them and leave a lasting impression.

“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

Smile and Compliment Others

Have you ever had a stranger smile at you? It’s hard not to smile back. In fact, sometimes, those random smiles or compliments from a stranger at the grocery store can turn a bad day around. Next time you’re out running errands, challenge yourself to give a couple of compliments to strangers who might have a good style or great people skills. When you walk through the office, try smiling as you pass your co-workers instead of looking down at the floor. You’d be surprised how small acts of kindness will separate you from the pack.

“Actions speak louder than words, and a smile says, ‘I like you. You make me happy. I am glad to see you.”

Be True to Yourself

We live in a society where many people try to act differently than who they are. Whether it’s to win the approval of others, to gain clout on social media, or even to avoid feeling alone—when we do this, every day feels forced. You always have to think about how to act to maintain your desired image. The irony is—when we are true to who we are, over time, the right people will come into our lives. People are attracted to authenticity. Not only that, but it’s a more freeing way to live. You won’t be for everyone, none of us are, but no one will be able to deny that you’re comfortable and confident in who you are. When we do that, we then permit others to live authentically as well. Be the example.

“No matter what happens, always be yourself.”