| How to Be Like James Bond Nov 9th 2012, 08:00 James Bond––possibly the world's best known spy. Whether you're a fan of the books or you've seen all the movies, you're aware that 007 is one cool dude. He gets all the love action and gadgets, has friends in high places and sweet cars, not to mention maximum respect for being an everyday hero. And while a lot of his fictional life is a little on the unreal side, it is possible to emulate the James Bond style and charisma in your own life. Whatever your background, being a little like 007 will bring a bit more charm and daring into your life. - Exude charm. Bond is so likable because he is charming and to be charming, you need to interact with people effectively by knowing what makes them tick. This requires showing an interest in others, listening carefully and reflecting back that you've heard them, all the while observing their body language and demeanor. A good listener is a flatterer and charm is all about flattery. Improve your people skills if they're not already top notch by learning the art of conversation, the intricacies of small talk and the skill of active listening. Improve your ability to read body language. And learn to read between the lines, to understand the things that people aren't saying, as important as what they actually say. You can learn and master every single one of these skills if you're determined.
- Improve your wit. 007 can always turn a bad situation into a funny one. Wit is a game of skill, so if you haven't got it yet, practice Bond's lines and branch out with your own when you feel comfortable. The internet has many examples of witticisms you can "borrow" until it feels more natural.
- Learn how to speak some of the basics of the more popular languages; knowing other languages will open more doors around the world and keep you culturally attuned.
- Tell good stories. Bond is a storyteller, in the tradition of all charismatic persons. Storytelling is a skill, just as good conversational skills are, and is about taking the listener to a place or situation filled with interest, intrigue, dynamism and excitement. Use strong verbs, descriptive language and leave out the boring details that hold the story back.
- Have a good memory. A good memory makes the world your oyster, just as Bond proves. It enables you to remember all the small details about people, the conversations you've had and the experiences you've lived through in intimate detail. It means that you can remember the people who have done a good deed by you and you know who to avoid also. Knowledge is power and memory is the way to retain that knowledge and keep hold of that power. A good memory is something Bond treasures, as it enables him to speak different languages, keep tabs on the people he meets again throughout his life and
- Dress impeccably. Bond is rarely disheveled, for he takes pride in the appearance that he presents. Whether it's formal or casual, his clothing is of good quality, well pressed and tailored to fit. If you can't afford tailoring, don't despair––it's about trying clothing on for fit and ignoring the sizing––brands vary so much by sizes but the test of truth is in trying the outfits on and going by feel and look. If the item sits well on you, then it's something that will bring confidence and comfort for you; if it's baggy, too tight or looks like something your grandfather might have worn, don't even think about it. Good grooming includes paying attention to the following:
- Shave daily. Bond is not a beard or mustache kind of person; he's smooth. (If you do have a beard or a mustache, keep them trimmed immaculately and clean.)
- Iron your clothes before wearing. Pressed clothing always gives the impression of a man who cares about his appearance.
- Polish your shoes. If they're the type of shoe that requires polishing, keep them polished regularly. Shoes that can't be polished should be clean, neat and regularly maintained.
- If you wear a tie, don't make a statement with it––avoid loud colors, childish patterns or unusual widths. Keep it understated and matching with your outfit.
- If you wear accessories, such as a watch or a shirt pocket handkerchief, ensure that they're of top quality. People notice these things immediately because they're different from the rest of the clothing image you present and many people judge others by their accessories.
- Be daring. As a spy, Bond has ample opportunities to be daring. You may not be a spy but you will have opportunities in life to show courage and to take reasonable risks. Life is a balance of risk and caution––by knowing how to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of taking a risk and then acting on it, you will learn to push the boundaries and seize opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be open to you. Go outside of your comfort zone now and then, and try new adventures at least once a month to stay engaged with all life has to offer.
- Stay uncomplicated. Bond doesn't do complicated. Whether it's his work, his relationships or his life in general, he aims to sort things out so that they're simple enough without being too simple. If you don't want long-term relationships, be open about this from the beginning––it's unkind to leave people dangling and it's going to complicate things too much for you if you're not clear. As for your work life, avoid entangling yourself with office politics as much as possible because it can only make things messy and distract you from getting on with what really matters.
- Be sophisticated while remaining uncomplicated. Choose the best and discard the rest––you don't need those dollar store or sale table bargains. One coat will do instead of a whole wardrobe filled with sales knock-offs. One French champagne is better than a dozen sparkling wines from the specials bin.
- If you can afford expensive cars and gadgets, keep these uncomplicated too. One beautiful car to lavish your attention on is sufficient––a garage full of them is just boasting and time-sapping. Ditto the gadgets––just how many can you play with in a day? Keep it real.
- Learn self defense. Self defense is the the art of getting out of fights as much as possible and only engaging where there really is no other choice. In the case of actual engagement, good self defense knowledge will enable you to disarm an opponent not just through force but through reading them quickly and knowing how to dodge blows, find their weakness and use it against them to survive. A Martial art is highly recommended because you'll learn the skills of reading people, staying aware, avoiding combat and engaging artfully and effectively if the need arises. Martial arts also help to increase confidence and maintains good flexibility of both body and mind.
- Stay fit. Your primary defense is fitness, an ability to move agilely, to run fast, to react quickly, etc. Bond is always in good shape through daily exercise and workouts, a healthy habit to adopt in your life too.
- Improve your street smarts. Be more alert and aware of your surroundings––look around and think ahead to see the things that others don't. Always be thinking one or more steps ahead of others around you, asking yourself "if this happens, then…". Notice things that are out of context or out of character and be alert for what this may mean. Again, noticing more about the people and world around you is a skill you can hone.
- It is not recommended that you carry a gun with you. While this may be permissible in some places of the world, guns can provoke violence through fear reactions and if you're not skilled in using one, can result in harm to yourself and others. If you feel a gun is needed, what is making you so afraid that you feel the only way to cope with the world is to carry a gun? If you do need firearms, get properly and thoroughly trained in their use and be licensed.
- Swim. Bond is a brilliant swimmer, both distance and underwater. Swimming is great all-round fitness and who knows when you might need to swim for any length of time to escape your foes?
- Don't be aggressive––being able to defend yourself is not the same as provoking fights.
- Treat women with respect. Bond knows that women are his equal and can hold their own in any situation. Treat women with respect wherever you go; not only is this important for forming solid and loyal relationships with them but it's also about having good self-esteem. A man with good self-esteem doesn't need to put down women to feel better.
- Move with the times. Bond upgrades as often as possible and keeps abreast of all new developments. He isn't threatened by change but embraces it willingly, often with gusto. You will find the world a less threatening place when you're prepared to acknowledge that life keeps changing and when you're willing to give new things a go and bring them into your own life. Keep up with the times through reading, studying, learning, observing and nurturing an open mind.
- Have good taste in food and drinks. Bond thrives on quality food––fast food outlets are not his style. Healthy, unprocessed food is a source of good energy, nutrients for better brain power and healthy longevity. If you don't know how to cook, learn. It's yet another skill that is easy to learn when you put your mind to it and cooking frees you from relying on others to produce your meal. Best of all, cooking will keep you healthy and fed wherever you may find yourself. As for drinks, be a connoisseur of alcoholic drinks, not a guzzler. Bond enjoys a refreshing drink here and there (in particular, the famous shaken-not-stirred vodka martini) but he doesn't over-indulge as a routine. Staying alert and healthy requires taking a sensible approach to alcohol.
- Eat with etiquette. Know how to hold the cutlery, chopsticks, etc. and know how to deal with fiddly or sloppy food so that you don't make a mess. Chew with your mouth closed and avoid making eating noises. And keep your elbows off the table.
- Be hospitable. Always be ready to pop the bubbly and throw an event to entertain your friends. Whether you're rich or poor, there is always time for sharing food and good conversation with friends.
- Have a Plan B. Bond always has a Plan B, whether it's a spy mission, a confrontation with the boss or a date. There's no need to vocalize your changed intentions––Bond doesn't do that, he just gets on with things as needed, to sort out a bad situation and make it good again. And apply common sense to all that you do, just as Bond would.
- Vacation in beautiful places. You might not be able to afford to jet off to Monte Carlo or live it up in Rio during the carnival but you can avail yourself of beautiful places near you. Choose places that are naturally beautiful, such as beaches, local forests, mountains near your locale, and so forth and spend time relaxing in nature with your loved ones. Whether you're camping or staying in a five star resort, you can make the most of the world's beauty by appreciating it and making it the backdrop for your vacation activities, just as Bond would do.
- Value what matters. Even though Bond may seem free and loose with his loving ways, he is capable of great, enduring love as is clear in the case of Vesper Lynd. Treasure the people you love and care about, realizing that these people are the ones who make life what it really is––all the fast cars, sleek gadgets and chic lifestyles cannot replace the love and friendship of those who have trust in you and are always there for you.
- If spying really excites you and you're young enough, consider joining a spy agency in your country. Before you do this though, do a lot of reading about the agency and the work that it does. It isn't anywhere near as glamorous as the movies depict and you might find yourself chained to the desk analyzing country reports when you'd dreamed of roaming the world poking other spies with poisoned umbrellas. Be realistic about what the job really entails, including understanding what dangers you might encounter if you do field work.
- If you'd like to "look" like Bond and move as he does, watch a few Bond films. Of course, you'll need to choose the Bond you like the most from the many actors who have taken on this role. Go with the one that really resonates with you.
- Read the Bond books to learn as much as possible about Bond's history. There might be style clues hidden there for you to style yourself on Bond but, of course, adapt them to you rather than changing yourself into a Bond caricature.
- Learn some code. That way you can converse with someone you trust without other people having a clue what you're on about.
- For the under aged, make mocktails instead of cocktails. If you feel tempted, remember that alcohol is a disinhibitor, meaning that it overrides your self control and reveals a side of you that is too ready to take risks, too lacking in common sense and possibly even capable of poisoning yourself by overdosing on it. Bond wouldn't appreciate any of these states of being and neither should you; besides which, too much alcohol ages you quickly and stinks on your breath.
- Consider learning to play poker or another casino style game. However, like Bond, know what when to stop and stay in control of your funds. Regular gambling isn't staying in control.
Edit Warnings - Practice safe sex. Unsafe sex is just foolish.
- No means no when it comes to dating and sex.
- Love isn't a game. Clarify your non-commitment intentions from the outset.
- Wash regularly. Nobody wants to hang about a guy who reeks.
- Don't fake your accent. Unless you're a good actor, it'll sound painful. Talk as you always do but if you need to stop mumbling, get elocution lessons for a few weeks to improve your voice projection.
- Smoking is no longer an acceptable sign of sophistication. Ditch the cigarette habit if you already have one and don't take up smoking if you haven't already.
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