Change is tough. Sometimes it’s hard to maintain. And when we try to do too many things at once it can be overwhelming.

A good approach is to start with something easy that will make a significant impact and make you feel good. This also will provide you with a quick start.

For example, a new piece of clothing, a shirt or a change in your hair style will give you a new lift. Or, if you want to be a better speaker visit a Toastmaster club and listen to other folks speak.

Another big one is weight. Going on a diet is too hard. However, eating smaller portions might be a good start. The main idea is to start small and take one thing at a time. You’ll be amazed at the feeling of accomplishment you get which in turn will keep your momentum going.

The U.S. has been in a deep freeze these last few weeks. In fact, Florida has experienced their coldest temperatures in the last twenty years. So, it’s understandable that we cut ourselves a bit of slack as we pile on layers of mismatched clothing.

Down coats are wonderful. They are lightweight and keep you very warm. Add on a smart scarf with color and you are good to go. Now comes to the serious part for both girls and guys – the boots. High or low ones will add the finishing touch. Plus, no matter how they look, you are allowed to wear your favorite pair of boots for warmth. The main thing is staying warm. Looking stylish comes after that.

The good news is now all coats, scarves, hats and gloves are on sale!

I have a questionnaire that is used in my workshop. One of the questions on it is whether or not it’s acceptable to talk on a cell phone in public. Most folks answer that it is not. But you and I know everyone does it. And now we are even getting physically hurt doing it!

The article “Forget Gum” in the January 17th issue of the New York Times spotlighted this phenomenon. Walking and using the cell phone has become risky. In fact, people are getting hurt because they are distracted. They run into cars, trip on items inside and outside of the home or workplace and walk into walls.

Today we multi-task everything to get the job done. Making mistakes is one thing but getting hurt is another. So, act the way we answer my cell phone etiquette question. When talking on the cell phone, stand in one spot. And please, make sure it’s a place where no can hear you. No one wants to be a captive listener to your one sided phone call!

I like the line in my favorite movie, Sleepless in Seattle, when Meg Ryan tells Tom Hanks, “It may not be personal to you, it was personal to me.” It is tough in today’s work environment to avoid the personal aspect of business.

Business decisions are based on facts, numbers and the bottom line. However, I do believe if you are competitive in all areas, what will always win out is the personal factor.

Do they want to have a cup of coffee with you?
Do you communicate in a manner that they understand?
Do you have the same values, energy and understanding of the bigger picture as they do?

The second page of the business section of the New York Times focuses on leadership and a selected CEO. Most often, people are drawn to the personal qualities of their leaders. Read what Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics interview in Sunday’s edition – January 24, 2010.

So, in my experience – all things being the same – whether you get the job, are the person they want on the team or get anointed as the next leader – it’s all personal.

Clothing can make someone look thinner or heavier. It can also be a confidence builder or a self esteem destroyer. When someone tells me they hate wearing a piece of clothing, 99% of the time it is the fit and/or feel of the garment that’s the problem.

How fabric feels against your skin is the main source of whether you feel comfortable or not in your clothes. Most of the time, unless you are allergic to wool or cotton, natural fabric will feel best.

Acrylic fabrics are problematic. They sometimes itch and definitely do not breathe. Polyester has come a long way especially if it’s blended with a natural fabric.

Following are three tips to ensure any piece of clothing you wear will boost your well being especially during a major personal or professional event.

1. It must be appropriate for the occasion.
2. It must feel comfortable (At the Golden Globes you could spot the folks who did not feel right in their outfits – they looked uncomfortable).
3. It must fit. If the apparel is too big or too snug it will not feel natural.

You clothing must showcase you. When it does, you will feel confident in all situations. In fact, you will feel like a star.

The latest craze is white teeth. America has always been in love with white teeth partly because we equate white teeth with good health and good looks. We sometimes envy the folks in our lives and celebrities that have the one million dollar smile.

Many products exist that we can purchase to whiten our teeth. It’s also one of the most popular procedures that dentists perform. However, when your teeth glow, look fake or are so white they blind you, it doesn’t look good. So, be careful when whiting your teeth. You always want the end result to be natural.

Today, we are bombarded with heavy perfumes or just bad odors. And one of the worst first impressions occurs when you meet someone and they smell offensive. Here are some tips to ensure that you smell fresh and pleasant.

One of the worst offenders are cigarette odors and food smells, It’s very hard to mask those odors but carrying fabric softener helps. You can freshen up clothes just out of storage or in cleaner bags too long, by airing them in the bathroom with the shower running or putting them in dryer with scented fabric softener.

To prevent having strange and offensive odors, don’t eat food in the car, use very light cologne, sit far away from the kitchen in restaurants and stay away from heavy smoking areas.

Another odor offender is bad breath. Always carry breath mints or mouth spray.

You want your first impression not to be spoiled by the emission of an unpleasant odor.

Believe it or not, it is becoming more popular for men to color their hair. I personally think gray hair looks great on most men. However, it can create a less than favorable impression at times.

For example, when Jay Leno’s hair gets a bit too long it makes him look older. When President Obama’s hair shows too much gray it makes him took weary. Men’s hair does not color the same way a women’s does so it is critical to have the job done by a professional who specializes in coloring men’s hair. Also, remember to make sure the style looks smart and contemporary.

Color or no color when a man has a bad hair day it zaps his confidence. This has been proven in the Yale Gender Communication Lab study on men’s’ hair.

The New Year gives us an opportunity to make changes that could help us be more personally and professionally effective. This is the time to reflect on the positive and the not so positive things.

What almost always causes failure is that we tackle too many things while setting our expectations too high. So, I recommend selecting reasonable goals. For example, if you want avoid getting behind with projects, set a time table that provides a cushion to finish ahead of schedule. This way if you run late, you will still make the deadline.

Another example is that if you resolve to be more consistent with your networking, establish a schedule and partner with another person for support.

Remember, “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, any one can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard.

I have been always told that when you’re given a gift, it’s the thought that counts. However, what’s the best way to handle your surprise when you receive a gift and are clueless as to why the giver ever thought you would like it?

This is the appropriate time to remember it really is the thought that counts. First, smile.

Then, here a few things you might say:

• “This was so thoughtful of you.” Then quickly describe how you are going to use it.
• “I am so surprised and will think of you when I use it.”
• “I was just thinking about this and am so pleased you thought of it first for me.”

The number one thing is remember is to reach deep down and be sincere. If you cannot say anything positive – you can still smile and say, “It was so nice of you to do this.”

Of course, always say thank you!