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You are undoubtedly aware of how much a person’s outer posture says about his inner posture: he is upright and steady. It shows backbone. He looks buckled. She lets her head hang down. He has stooped to his fate. You are very natural.

These expressions and phrases say something about the inner state of the person. Disappointments and struggles that are not processed are expressed in body language, for example, slumped shoulders or slightly bent over.

In fact, it works both ways: If we change our physical posture, it also affects our mental posture. If you want to implement your business idea, you need sufficient stamina, assertiveness, self-confidence, and a clear vision. From now on, you’ll practice this daily over the coming weeks.

Here is your task for today:

Stand in front of a mirror and consciously change your posture: First of all, round out your back a bit, let your shoulders and head hang, and bend your knees slightly. Stay in this position for a few moments and observe how you look and feel in the mirror. A sad sight, isn’t it? Even if I didn’t tell you to control the facial expressions on your face, you probably look a little sad and upset now.

Now change your position and stand up straight. Imagine that your sternum is pulled up slightly, which will automatically curve the hollow of your back a bit (which is not bad, as is often falsely claimed), and your shoulders are pulled back. Now your head or chin will probably feel a bit high, which makes you feel “stuck-up” and “looking down from above.” Pull your chin down a bit, as if you want to make a double chin (don’t worry, it won’t show!). This stretches your neck, which is good for the neck. You can also imagine that a thin, strong thread is tied to the highest point of your head and pulls you towards the sky.

Now walk around the room in this position. Feels weird, doesn’t it? On the one hand, quite good, because you strut upright like a nobleman at court. On the other hand, also a bit unusual and stiff – and in your eyes may be a bit arrogant or overbearing?

You will need self-confidence, pride, sincerity, and assertiveness for your successful independence! And this is the point where you now fully move out of your comfort zone: Am I really allowed to be so self-confident? Doesn’t that make me arrogant? Won’t others immediately see how I’m faking it? Yes and no!

Yes, others will perceive that you appear more upright, confident, and “committed.” No, they will not perceive you as “artificial.” On the contrary, many will note their own bad posture, and many will also become more upright, consciously, or unconsciously.

The same applies to sitting. Grab a chair and sit on it like you usually do. Your pelvis has probably fallen back a little, and your back has rounded. Exaggerate this position a bit by making your back a bit rounder. Your shoulders will probably also round out now, and your head will hang forward.

Now slide your buttocks on the chair up to the front edge, so you only sit on the first third of the seat. Tilt your hips forward until you sit on the two so-called “sit bumps,” and your back is straight or curved slightly in the hollow of your back. Put your hands under your buttocks for a moment so that you can feel the ischial tuberosities. This upright and active sitting position may also feel different but looks a little less “arrogant” than the upright (and healthy) position you were in before.

Your task from now on is to practice this posture as often as possible in standing and sitting: When you “strut in” at the bakery, when you sit with your family at the dinner table, when you enter your workplace, when you go shopping when you cook, etc. Be prepared to be asked about it. When you eat, some others at the table may imitate it – sometimes unconsciously – because it stands out so much when someone sits so upright. Do not let this make you feel insecure. Feeling and accepting this is precisely the challenge because, remember, this was outside your comfort zone until now!

Why this exercise? If you want to become independent, your attitude toward yourself and others is of central importance. You will radiate success and stand by yourself and your idea with full conviction. That is what you’ll practice with this exercise – not only today but in the future every day, if possible! It’s also very beneficial for your health.