Moment #3 – Introduction - "A day without an Introduction is a day that is weak in the human experience."

Every time you meet someone new, however brief the encounter might be, you have just experienced introduction.

When we experience an introduction, our focus shifts to that person and our encounter with them. We listen to what they have to say, and we watch how they act. Likewise, they are watching us. We are also wondering how they perceive us, even if it’s on the subconscious level. The beauty of an introduction is that it returns our thinking to the moment at hand.

Depending on the circumstances of the introduction, we could be thinking a variety of things: Who is this person? What do they want? How do I look? I like this person. I dislike this person. I’d like to see this person again. This person talks too much. This person is interesting. This person is boring. How do I end this conversation?

It’s critical to remember that we can only experience introduction one time with each person we meet. Once that initial meeting is over, it’s gone forever; and our future interactions with that individual will fall into one of the other moments described later in this book.

They say first impressions are important. I completely agree. Your first encounter with someone (your introduction to this person) is such a powerful moment in the human experience that your actions and words will be forever etched into the other person’s memory. First impressions are so strong that practically everyone is on his or her best behavior when meeting someone new. They are right to do so. If a person gives a poor first impression during an introduction, this person will spend a lifetime trying to correct it.

Introductions can happen by design (walk up and introduce yourself to a stranger), by accident (bumping into someone when you exit an elevator), or through any random chain of events.

All of the following are samples of introduction.

Meeting an associate for the first time

Dialing a wrong number and talking with someone new

Handing your driver’s license to a police officer you’ve never met

For most people, introductions are plentiful in the work environment. This is where working in a coffee shop would have an advantage over working just about anywhere else. However, if you work at home or work independently, or for those who are financially free and don’t have to work for a living, introductions can become absent to almost non-existent in their lives. No matter what your work situation, it’s imperative you find the time to meet new people whenever you get the chance.

If you are living a lifestyle where you are consciously choosing not to meet people for whatever reason and you’ve gone several days without meeting somebody, I encourage you to make an effort to meet someone today. Meeting someone doesn’t have to be complicated either. Nor do you have to spend any money. It can be as simple as going to the park and finding someone who’s walking their poodle. Admire their dog. Tell him or her how cute it is (even if it’s ugly), and you’ll have a new friend. Donate your time to a church group. Donate your time to the local Little League (or any sporting association) and become an assistant coach.

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