If succeeding at work or school is important to you, acting like you’re a serious, emotionless and professional person can help you reach your goal. Additionally, adopting this persona will improve how people perceive you. Learning how to control your emotions in any situation will help you stay cool and collected. Additionally, changing your behavior and creating a professional look will make people perceive you as a serious, professional person.

Watch all of the Terminator movies and related TV programs. Then, read the related books. Mimic (or pretend to mimic) Terminator behavior and language, but don't hurt anyone or get yourself in trouble. Consider making yourself a homemade Terminator costume to complete the look.

If you want to seem shy, start by talking less. Don't be the person to approach anyone. Instead, let them approach you. Additionally, hesitate before you walk up to people, enter rooms, or get up to do something in front of others. Don't volunteer to do something that makes you speak or perform in front of others.

It sounds like you've found a great group of friends! You don't have to stop smiling and laughing to be a serious, professional person. Unless you're laughing when it's totally inappropriate (like when someone's doing a presentation or your teacher/boss is talking), don't worry about it. Just enjoy spending time with your friends. If you're concerned it's making you look less serious or unprofessional, use some of the techniques in the article to control your emotions and behaviors when you're in a serious situation.

I have friends, but they are silly and weird. They have changed me and keep making me smile and laugh. How do I not laugh and smile?

It's normal to develop feelings for someone else. There's nothing wrong with that. If you don't want to share those feelings, that's okay. Talk to someone you trust (who won't tell anyone how you feel) to get advice that's right for your unique situation.

What if you're falling for someone? I don't want to get hurt again, yet I feel myself falling for them, but I don't want them to know.

Practice making your chosen expression in the mirror. You might also film yourself. At the same time, keep in mind that you can have many different expressions and still be viewed as serious, emotionless, and professional.

Stand or sit up straight, keeping your core engaged. Roll your shoulders back, and hold your chin tilted up. Additionally, keep your arms at your side so you appear more open. Finally, make direct eye contact with people when you’re talking to them or passing them in the hallway.

If you get very dirty, bathe yourself more often. Keep your hair clean and styled how you like it. If you have a beard, trim it and keep it free of crumbs. This helps you put your best foot forward.

Look for clothes that have structure from either the fabric type or the way they're sewn. Also, make sure your clothing fits well or have it tailored for a more flattering fit.

If you feel confident, you’ll appear more confident. Follow the dress code for your job or school, but add a personal flair, like jewelry or fun socks, that makes you feel good about yourself. Also, make sure your outfits fit in with the style of dress that’s popular with your peers.

Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it. Write all of your tasks and appointments in a planner or the calendar in your phone to keep track of everything. That way, nothing will be forgotten.

Talking about your personal life too often or at the wrong times can make you look less professional. At the same time, talking about your life may help you bond with others. Choose the right times to share personal details about yourself, such as during lunch, breaks, and post-work or after-school events. During work hours or class, stick to topics related to work or school, as well as current events.

Appearing to be unsure can make you look unprofessional or flaky. At the same time, you’re not going to have all of the answers. To protect your image, respond positively but buy yourself some time to think about what you’ll do or say next.

Avoid meaningless chatter, as talking too much can make people see you as unprofessional. Additionally, speaking less often will make your words carry more impact. Keep it professional by only sharing your best thoughts and ideas.

Say exactly what you mean, and ask for what you need. Always be kind and respectful when you provide feedback, but don’t be vague because you think it will spare someone’s feelings. Additionally, don’t say more than you need to say.

Punctuality is essential if you want to appear serious and professional. Always be on time or early for things. Set an alarm or calendar entry on your phone to help you remember when you need to be places.

Maintain good posture by standing up straight and pressing your shoulders back. Smile, keep your arms at your sides, and look at your surroundings. When you talk to people, focus on your talents and achievements, not your flaws.

This also helps you perform well and appear accomplished, which makes you seem more professional. Plan ahead, and build your knowledge base about the topics you’re studying for work or school. Additionally, get all of your assignments finished before they’re due.

Being properly rested will help you remain calm in the face of stress. It won’t make your emotions go away, but it will make it easier to control them.Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep per night, while adults need 7-9.Here’s how you can help yourself sleep better:

Walk away from the situation that’s making you feel upset or agitated. Make an excuse such as needing to use the restroom or wanting to retrieve a file or assignment. Then, take a few moments to regain your calm by breathing deeply, splashing water on your face, or taking a long sip of water.

Close your eyes if you can. Next, slowly inhale as you count to 5 and hold for 1 second. Then, count to 5 as you slowly release the breath. Repeat 5 times to calm yourself down.

Think about the actions you’re taking and what’s next in the process. If your mind wanders, pull it back to the moment. Don’t think about anything but what you’re doing.

Catch your negative or anxious thoughts when they happen. Then, question the accuracy of that thought. Finally, replace that thought with a positive statement. If you do this consistently, it will help you maintain a calm, positive attitude.

Notice what makes you feel upset, angry or frustrated. Think of how you could minimize these triggers in your life, then take precautions to help you stay out of these situations.

Emotions won’t go away just because you’re ignoring them. Make sure you’re releasing your emotions at some point. For example, you might journal, vent to a friend, or do something creative.

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