Becoming Unforgettable

by Astrid DesLandes

Why would someone want to become unforgettable? If you're asking yourself this question as you just finish reading the title, it is understandable. It's not something that most of us "Something set them apart; something made them stand out; something about them was truly unique."consciously spend much time thinking about.

Yet, whether we realize it or not, we all strive to become unforgettable, to leave our mark on the world in some way. Most of us take family pictures, and make family movies. Some people write compelling books or create beautiful works of art. And throughout the ages, some have even left us with gravity-defying cathedrals, which to this day, stand as a reminder of their time on earth.

Leaving an enduring legacy is the way we, as humans, become immortal. But let’s assume you'd like to become unforgettable now, and not after you've moved on to the great beyond. What are the advantages of having people remember you, now during your lifetime? Becoming unforgettable can greatly improve your life, both personally and professionally. It’s how you get a second date or a second interview. So how do you do it?

Think of the people who, throughout your life, have made a lasting impression on you. Something set them apart; something made them stand out; something about them was truly unique. It may have been the way their personality just came shining through, or something that they did that was worthy of being remembered. Perhaps it was even the wonderful way you felt about yourself when in their presence. Maybe it was a combination of all these traits.

Tip #1: The first step towards becoming unforgettable is about being different from the rest. But how do you become different, or highlight what is different about you?

Gimmicks are not the answer. You don't want to be the man who is known for always sporting a bow tie, or the woman who never goes out without a red hat on her head. These "devices" have nothing to do with who you are. And becoming unforgettable is about much more than "tricks". Becoming unforgettable involves taking risks, such as becoming vulnerable by being true and genuine. The risk is that not everyone might end up liking you or approving of who you are.

Tip #2: Becoming unforgettable starts at the core. You need to figure out what is unique about you and let it shine through your actions.

Hence, what you do is the way you put in practice the blend of beliefs and values that make up the unique person that you are. Some people choose to express their distinctive self through volunteer work or favorites pastimes such as traveling or playing an instrument. "The ability to make others feel smart, beautiful and interesting is a great accomplishment..." And some people go even further and are willing to give up securities such as a regular employment and associated conveniences in order to be true to themselves and fulfill their dreams.

Tip #3: What you do must be a genuine reflection of whom you are in order for you to stand out form the crowd. Indeed, you would be in the minority, and on your way to becoming unforgettable.

The last element of becoming unforgettable is about how you interact with others. Think about it... in order to be remembered, you need people — people who remember you! And how you treat others is what leads them to remember you or forget you. The ability to make others feel smart, beautiful and interesting is a great accomplishment, one that can only be achieved when you are true at the core and genuine in your actions. So for your final tip on becoming unforgettable:

Tip #4: When you make others feel unforgettable, then you become unforgettable too.

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