Your Best Version

​I’m a big proponent of becoming the best version of myself. I read a lot of books and blog posts centered around self-improvement. I sneak a fiction book in there occasionally, but I’m always drawn back to books designed to help me get better at something.

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​I’m a firm believer that everyone has the potential to get better. That’s what my classes and workshops are all about: To help people be the best version of themselves. To do this, now and then, we need to take a step back and do a bit of self-evaluation to see where we need to improve. I do this self-reflection at least once a year.

I realized I needed to work on my public speaking skills a few years ago, so I joined Toastmasters. Toastmasters is an organization that helps people develop communication and public speaking skills through practice and evaluation. Twice a month, I give impromptu speeches at our meetings. In doing this, I have become more comfortable speaking in front of a group.

If you’re reading this blog post or following me on social media, you probably have this same self-improvement mindset. My call-to-action for you is to think about where you want to improve in regard to etiquette and manners.

Improving your etiquette and manners starts with self-awareness. Take a moment to reflect on your interactions, habits, and social behaviors. Here are some key areas to consider:

• First Impressions: Do you make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and introduce yourself with confidence?
• Conversational Skills: Are you a good listener? Do you interrupt or dominate conversations?
• Dining Etiquette: Do you know basic table manners, such as using utensils correctly and not speaking with food in your mouth?
• Professional Etiquette: Do you respond to emails promptly, show up on time, and respect others’ time in meetings?
• Social Media Etiquette: Are your online interactions polite and professional? Do you think before you post?
• Gratitude & Courtesy: Do you say “please” and “thank you” regularly? Do you write thank-you notes when appropriate?
• Respect for Others: Do you practice inclusivity, avoid gossip, and treat people with kindness?

Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, set small, achievable goals. Whether you start by refining your email etiquette, improving your listening skills, or simply saying ‘thank you’ more often, every small step adds up. Etiquette isn’t about perfection—it’s about being mindful, respectful, and considerate in all situations.

Improving your etiquette and manners is a journey, and small, intentional changes can make a big difference. If you’d like more personalized guidance, I offer in-person and virtual classes, as well as my digital course, The Polished Professional, designed to help business professionals refine their skills. No matter where you are in your self-improvement journey, there’s always room to grow.  Here’s to becoming the best version of yourself!