If I ask you to name individuals with charismatic personalities, whom would you think of? You would most probably list people like Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Martin Luther King, Lady Diana, Steve Jobs, David Beckham and Amitabh Bachchan, etc. These people have inspired millions around the world and will continue to be role models for many future generations. But, what is it about these people that attracts us?

These charming people exude confidence and perseverance, are articulate, have a good sense of humour and are great listeners. They practised and acquired these traits and have become legendary public figures.

While many of us like to believe that grooming is limited to good looks, lustrous hair, it is actually much more than that. You can only look completely groomed when you are likable, interesting and pleasant to be around with. In fact, a large share of our happiness and success depends on how well we interact with others. Here are a few tips that will help you to enhance and groom your personality. Believe in yourself

The most important step towards grooming your personality is believing in yourself. You need to trust your capabilities, talents and skills. You need to have faith in what you do. Adopt a “Yes, I can do it!” attitude and the journey to your destination will be smoother. Churchill rightly said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”

Don’t quit even if the hurdles are huge and the road is bumpy; keep trying and give it your best shot—at least you won’t regret later for not having tried. Attain a positive attitude

More than your attitude, it is your aptitude that determines your success. Nobody wants to hang around someone who’s a constant cribber; people are genuinely attracted towards someone who is happy and is enjoying his/her life. Think positive, see opportunity in every difficulty, remain motivated and choose to be happy—you’ll find that a part of your problems will simply melt away.

Live each moment to its fullest. Remember that mishaps do happen, but they’re a part of life. Look at the brighter side—every mishap teaches you a lesson. Read and have an opinion

Reading enhances your intellectual capacity and enables you to look at things from different perspectives. It refines the way you think, speak and act. The more you read, the better you are able to converse with others. Read all sorts of material—from classics to biographies to magazines and newspapers—to improve your mind and gain a better understanding of life. Whatever you read, do reflect on it and form an opinion on the matter. People respect those who voice their own opinions and can back their views with reasoning. Dress well Attractive personalities are always dressed well and pleasant to look at. Dressing well doesn’t mean you buy expensive designer clothes and go for a complete make-over. It means that you wear an outfit that suits your body type, and in colours that enhance your complexion. Match it with accessories that are neither too gaudy nor too plain (read classy). Wear a hairstyle they flatters your face structure. Smell good and, most importantly, smile. Show pleasant manners Remember, people are noticing you all the time, so it’s important that you don’t forget your etiquettes. When someone’s talking to you, be a good listener. Slightly lean towards the person and listen intently, this will make him/her feel important. Speak only when the other person has finished speaking. Don’t jump into a conversation.

Always say ‘please’ when asking for something followed by a ‘thank you’ irrespective of who the other person is. When invited to a lunch or a dinner party, don’t forget your table manners, no matter how closely you’re related to the host.

Take care of your physical fitness The shape of your body defines more than just your health status; it defines your approach towards your personal grooming. Take a healthy and a well-balanced diet. Exercise for at least half an hour daily and take plenty of fluids. Cut down on junk food and replace tea and coffee with green tea. You will soon become self-confident and would have more energy want to socialise better.

Add humour to life Humour gives vent to the frustration and resentment that we bottle up inside, giving way to bright and hopeful thoughts. People with an attractive personality look at the lighter side of life, they even invent it.

Hugh Sidey, an American journalist, said, “Above all else, go out with a sense of humour. It is the needed armour. Joy in one's heart and some laughter on one's lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”

Try these simple, helpful tips and become the person you’ve always wanted to be.