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We all want to be individuals. Sometimes, we get radical hairstyles or outrageous clothing to stand out from the crowd. Even with all those radical changes to our lives, we still seems to emulate others.

Emulating others isn’t something too admirable, because, you want to be you! But, I ask you this: have you ever subconsciously stolen a characteristic or quirk from someone that you admired? You probably copied them because the characteristic worked for them, and made them stand out.

Stealing characteristics isn’t a bad thing: it’s a different style of learning, and you can do it consciously. How do I use other people’s strengths and characteristics to improve myself? It’s quite simple!

Be an active observer. The next time you meet up with someone who has traits you want to emulate, watch these things:

• How they walk - How do they carry themselves? What part of the body do they lead with? Often, those with confidence and power walk upright with good posture.
• How they talk - What is their pattern of speech? How fast or slow do they talk? Is their voice loud, quiet, or neutral?
• How they interact - While talking with others, are they leaning in? Do they bring a person into their personal space, or do they enter the other person’s space?
• Their appearance - This is one of the most popular emulations, by copying another person’s grooming and clothing habits. What first impression do you get from their exterior appearance?
• How they problem-solve - is it easy for them to overcome obstacles? How do they use communication and productivity to get past those obstacles?

Once you have observed a person’s various traits, try to emulate the ones that are effective for them. It might not feel right at first, but try it on! See how it feels to you. What parts of the acquired traits seem to work? Which ones don’t? You can always tailor these emulated traits to suit you. You don’t have to be a carbon copy. Make it your own. It will take a certain amount of calibration, but trying it out, and seeing it fail or succeed will help you to grow further.

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