5 Bad Habits that Ruin Your Image

They may seem harmless, and you may be unaware you’re doing them.

How can bad habits ruin one’s image?

Your image could either work in your advantage or could hurt your confidence level which in turn shuts down some great opportunities that could have been easily yours. The label of having a good image or being remembered for something awful all depends on your overall qualities and character that is being seen by the people around you.

In the prying eye of the public, any form of misconduct like bad habits can easily ruin one’s image in an instant. Having to bounce back from that prejudice is a lot more difficult than consciously correcting it until you successfully unlearn those bad habits such as:

Hands Stuffed in the Pocket
We human uses our hands in communicating and these gestures make a difference on how we are being perceived. By simply putting your hands in your pocket when talking to someone is a body language that sends the wrong message. You may come as rude, intimidating, and dishonest as per body experts analysis. So, to play it safe, just make a conscious move to keep your hands away from your pocket. Instead, try to find something to cling on, may it be a pen or a watch or simply touching your ring.

Foul Breath
The second bad habit that can ruin your image is a poor oral hygiene. Men oftentimes neglect brushing their teeth and maintaining regular dental care which will cost them in the long run. Even when you’re not a smoker, nor a coffee or tea drinker, keeping breath fresh and flossing is not good enough to keep a healthy mouth. It takes regular dental care and more.

Too Lax to Make the First Move
In a business event and social gathering, don’t just sit in a corner and wait for others to come to you. If you want to make more connections, make the first move of introducing yourself and initiate a smart conversation. It is important to show your confidence yet keeping a courteous and a humble demeanor will surely make a lasting impression.

The Never-ending Filler Words
A presenter who uses a lot of um’s and uh’s, basically, actually and well are confusing their audience as they sounded unsure of what they really wanted to convey in their presentation. Stop trying to sound smarter than you’re actually are. Give time to flourish your vocabulary, start writing notes, and come prepared for the presentation. Train yourself by practicing in front of a mirror or make a video of your speech and do as much as you can to eliminate these crutch words.

Nail Biting
This last item on the list of bad habits that ruin your image deals with nail biting. This mannerism must have started during your childhood days that you have failed to outgrow during your adolescence. This oral compulsive habit may not be always pathological but a mere stubborn and disgusting habit. Keep your hands clean at all times as you use them to shake hands in making a business deal. I’m sure you don’t want to scare off your clients with your crooked fingernails. Whenever you feel the urge of biting them, try sucking on a mint or keep your hands busy by holding your phone.