By Quassan Castro
Usher, Jay Z, T.I., Pdiddy, Trey Songz and Denzel Washington all have that perfect style and swagger. Swagger is a persons' style that encompasses the way they walk, talk, and dress. When you have swagger there is a sense of self-awareness and confidence that draw people to you like a magnet.
When you walk into that job interview, swagger is what separates you from the next man. When you are at the audition for a starring role, swagger is that 'it' factor that draws attention to your presence. Here are a few tips on how to increase your style and swagger in preparation for the summer.
1) Determine that you are ready to be the brightest light shining in the room. Affirmations are a great way to program the mind. Tell yourself, "I'm the man!" and follow through with action. You can't have swagger and be a self-loather. Swagger is what comes out of your mouth and how it's stated.
2) Chin-up all day. Don't be defeated by competition or failure. Say goodbye to low self-esteem by ridding yourself of negative self-talk. Lack of confidence is a turn-off, especially in business. Would you trust your business with someone that seems unsure? Would you want a budding actor to portray you in a movie if he has no sense of assuredness? Confidence begins by waking up everyday and knowing that you have a greater purpose in life. Remember having swagger is not just what you wear, it's the light that beams around you.
3) Fashion and clothes are part of possessing swag, but it's how you wear the clothes and how you walk in the clothes, that gives you swag. Study the fashion trends, but also know you don't have to wear top designers to have swagger. You can take some less expensive items and make it work. Remember, it's not the clothes; it's how you walk in the clothes. Top off your style with a nice scented cologne. If your cologne is loud enough to attract stray cats, then you've already lost the race. Get a fragrance that compliments your swagger, not hurt it. Something light, yet alluring for the summer. Some of my favorites are Dolce and Gabbana, I AM KING, Happy for men by Clinique and USHER.
4) Moving pass the haters is essential. To maintain your swag in the summer, you have to ignore the haters. Remember that haters are people that have not realized there own worth or potential to succeed in life. Because they are in limbo, they have to throw salt on your name and successes. Haters have no life, that's why they are aware of all the moves you make. To maintain your swag, you have to ignore the haters. Consider it free publicity when someone is throwing salt on your name 24/7.
5) Don't be a copy. Be an original. If you spend your time copying rather than perfecting your originality, you don't have swagger. Spend time developing your own uniqueness. Swagger is about bringing originality to everything you do.
NEW CITIZENS PRESS
NEW YEAR: MEN 4 Tips to Curbing Your Anger
Friday, February 04, 2011
By Quassan Castro
The hairs on the back of your neck stand erect after a perceived disrespect. The joker keeps mouthing off. You feel the heat from his breath. The words are oozing from his mouth, as you feel your knuckles balling into a hardened fist. Take a deep breath. Think about all of the negativity and legal battles that can come your way as a result of an attack. In the New Year, proclaim that you will not let the haters bring out your anger.
Here are five helpful tips to curb your anger in 2011.
1) Don't let the haters get inside your head. As soon as you let anyone enter your mind, you're allowing the enemy to control part of your actions.
2) When you feel your blood-boiling, walk away. Think before you react. Once you get that assault charge, your career options become slim pickings. Take a deep breathe and count as you exit.
3) Call someone level headed and reasonable before your anger leads to violence. Nine times out of ten, if the person you call think it's okay to knock someone out after they disrespect you, then call someone else. Reach out to the friend who always has something positive to say or has a non-reactionary response when confronted with confrontation. Sometimes in the moment, we need a voice of reason to curb our anger. Remember in the New Year, you're not letting anyone bring you down with words.
4) Join a spiritual organization. Some places of worship hold meetings that can help you cope with anger issues, free of charge. Sitting with people that are enduring the same challenge might be helpful with helping you defeat your challenge. You can also find meditation centers in your local area, as many have reported feeling bouts of peace upon meditation. Most importantly, find the outlet that you're comfortable with joining. But remember, in 2011 you will not let anger or haters consume your mind. Dust the sweat off your back and keep it moving.
Quassan Castro is an entertainment and news writer.
