We’ve all been there: You walk into a meeting—motivated, on time, and ready to get things done—and the person in front of you is distracted, unprepared, or clearly in a flat (or worse, bad) mood. Suddenly, that spark of energy you came in with dims and you’re left trying to get the other person aligned instead of getting things done. While it can be difficult not to feel let down, you don’t have to let other people’s energy dictate yours.
Here’s how you can make sure you leave a lasting (and positive) impression no matter what’s happening around you:
Show Up
Don’t just check the box of being physically present (which is important)—be fully there. Whether you’re in a meeting, out with friends, or celebrating a milestone, show up with intention and be invested in the moment. Bring positive energy, engage in the conversation, and make sure people remember you for the positive contributions you made to the situation.
Be Polite
Politeness isn’t just about making others feel comfortable —it’s about keeping your standards high, no matter the situation. Good manners reflect more about you than the people you’re with as it signals to others that you hold yourself to a standard of grace and respect, even when it’s not being returned.
Maintain a Growth Mindset
Complaining is easy, but leaders focus on finding solutions. When challenges come your way, look at what you can learn and how you can rise to the occasion.
Be Professional
Being professional isn’t just about dressing the part (though looking polished always helps)—it’s about how you carry yourself. Be on time, follow through on your responsibilities, and avoid unnecessary drama or negativity. A professional attitude shows you take yourself and your work seriously, and that kind of energy is contagious
Be Proactive
Don’t wait for someone to hand you a problem or solution. Anticipate. Take the initiative, suggest solutions, and look ahead. Being proactive shows that you’re someone who’s ready to step up—without being asked. People notice the ones who take action before they’re told.
Be Reliable
Show up on time, meet deadlines, and be someone people can count on—again and again. When people trust that you’ll deliver, you build credibility that can take you far in both your career and personal relationships.
Be Positive
Positivity isn’t about ignoring the tough stuff—it’s about focusing on possibilities. A positive mindset helps you stay resilient when challenges arise and lifts the mood of those around you. When you bring optimism into a room, you’re inviting others to see what’s possible, too.
Be Motivated and Motivating
Don’t wait for motivation to find you—create it. Setting personal goals, celebrating wins, giving shout-outs, and leaning into the fire that drives you to be your personal best.
We’ve all been there: You walk into a meeting—motivated, on time, and ready to get things done—and the person in front of you is distracted, unprepared, or clearly in a flat (or worse, bad) mood. Suddenly, that spark of energy you came in with dims and you’re left trying to get the other person aligned instead of getting things done. While it can be difficult not to feel let down, you don’t have to let other people’s energy dictate yours.
Here’s how you can make sure you leave a lasting (and positive) impression no matter what’s happening around you:
Show Up
Don’t just check the box of being physically present (which is important)—be fully there. Whether you’re in a meeting, out with friends, or celebrating a milestone, show up with intention and be invested in the moment. Bring positive energy, engage in the conversation, and make sure people remember you for the positive contributions you made to the situation.
Be Polite
Politeness isn’t just about making others feel comfortable —it’s about keeping your standards high, no matter the situation. Good manners reflect more about you than the people you’re with as it signals to others that you hold yourself to a standard of grace and respect, even when it’s not being returned.
Maintain a Growth Mindset
Complaining is easy, but leaders focus on finding solutions. When challenges come your way, look at what you can learn and how you can rise to the occasion.
Be Professional
Being professional isn’t just about dressing the part (though looking polished always helps)—it’s about how you carry yourself. Be on time, follow through on your responsibilities, and avoid unnecessary drama or negativity. A professional attitude shows you take yourself and your work seriously, and that kind of energy is contagious
Be Proactive
Don’t wait for someone to hand you a problem or solution. Anticipate. Take the initiative, suggest solutions, and look ahead. Being proactive shows that you’re someone who’s ready to step up—without being asked. People notice the ones who take action before they’re told.
Be Reliable
Show up on time, meet deadlines, and be someone people can count on—again and again. When people trust that you’ll deliver, you build credibility that can take you far in both your career and personal relationships.
Be Positive
Positivity isn’t about ignoring the tough stuff—it’s about focusing on possibilities. A positive mindset helps you stay resilient when challenges arise and lifts the mood of those around you. When you bring optimism into a room, you’re inviting others to see what’s possible, too.
Be Motivated and Motivating
Don’t wait for motivation to find you—create it. Setting personal goals, celebrating wins, giving shout-outs, and leaning into the fire that drives you to be your personal best.
By staying in control of your energy and focusing on what you can bring to the table, you’ll leave every interaction with a positive, lasting impression—no matter the circumstances.