Think of an alpha male or alpha female. What sets them apart? Are the successful? Respected? Does leadership come naturally to them? Do they have a way of getting what they want?

Very few of us naturally take on this persona. The beta personality traits rest in our comfort zone. We let the true leadership work fall to the alphas. It only seems natural.

The problem with this is that great leadership draws from both mindsets. The most successful people in business are often beta personalities who have learned key alpha traits. If a beta personality can cultivate the alpha within just enough to slide to the middle of the spectrum, they set themselves up for a remarkable level of success. Take the best of both worlds. Speak like an alpha, but listen like a beta. Promote your own ideas, but learn from others. Awaken your inner alpha and become the great leader you know you can be.
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Here are six ways to do that:

1. Mind Your Arrogance

When trying to come across as more confident, many people overshoot the mark. This can make you seem pushy and abrasive. Tap into the beta side of your brain, and notice how other people react to your new boost in confidence. If they seem put off, you may want to turn it down a notch. Take the time to fine tune your new attitude. Learn to walk the line between being confident and being a bully.

2. Find a Role Model

Think of someone whose leadership style you admire. This person should be effective, successful, and well liked. Ask them to mentor you. Discuss the way you come across on a daily basis. Ask your mentor to clue you in on small mistakes that may undermine the way you present yourself. Practice important speeches and difficult conversations with your mentor. Use their wisdom.

3. Dress for Confidence

I would love to say that appearance doesn’t matter. In a perfect world, it wouldn’t. However, we do not live in a perfect world. We live in this one. Dress in a way that is acceptable in your environment. Put together an outfit that conveys maturity, self-assuredness, and intelligence. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident. Even the most perfectly curated ensemble can weigh you down if it makes you feel phony or wrong. Wearing an outfit you feel comfortable in will put you more at ease in the world. You should feel like the best possible version of yourself – not someone else.
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4. Take Action

If you see work that needs to be done, get right to it. Take the initiative to get things accomplished. This demonstrates problem solving skills, confidence, and a strong work ethic. Jumping in where you see you are needed is a very alpha move. It projects a sense of duty and a high self-worth. It is the rare tactic that conveys these qualities without an air of self-centeredness or arrogance. Others will take notice.

5. Smile Often

Alpha personalities often sacrifice likeability to get results. For this reason, building relationships becomes more crucial with every inch you slide along the alpha scale. Show others that you care by the simple act of smiling. Smile warmly when you greet somebody to let them know you’re happy to see them. Smile with appreciation to let someone know that you notice their good work. Smile with gratitude when someone helps you complete a task. A smile makes you more more attractive, more likeable, and more confident. It sounds simple, but most people do not do this nearly enough.

6. Take Calculated Risks

With great risks come great rewards. These are the big moves that alpha personalities are most known for. Start small. Try a food that scares you a little bit. Go on a hike you would normally find too intimidating. Ease into the world of risk where the stakes are low. Then, when a big risk comes along that feels right, you can jump into it with comfort and confidence.

“Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.” Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi realized that the only thing standing between our current selves and our best selves is our attitude. Change your mind about who you can be and what you can do. You’ll be amazed at the person you uncover.