Be detailed and specific. Instead of using vague terms like “fun” or “intelligent”, use more descriptive and exact terms like “puts people at ease” or “knows a lot about Latin”. While it can be useful to add “a neat, polished appearance” or something similar, don’t focus only on physical and material things. Include descriptions of things the ideal you would do, places you would go, etc. Consider what your cyber reputation would look like as well. What types of sites, posts, comments, etc. are in line with the reputation you want to have?
Think about what actions/tasks you will need to do. How will you need to change your attitude, your activities, and/or your appearance? How will you need to act and dress? Where will you need to go? What will you need to do? Make sure your changes are things that you have the ability, time and money to achieve. Think about what financial, material, and human resources you have to support you in making your changes. Think about what resources you will need, as well as, if and how you can get them.
Share your plan with people you trust. Some people might make fun of you or not believe you, so carefully choose who you share your plan with. Make sure it is with people that truly care about you. Surround yourself with people that support your new reputation. Try to avoid people that only want to bring up your old reputation or who just don’t fit with the person you are trying to be now. Talk to your friends and socialize with them on a regular basis. They might be able to offer other tips and suggestions that help your new reputation, like people to meet or places to go.
Look for opportunities at school, social events, and other places to meet people. Join positive social groups (in-person and online) that are in line with the reputation you are developing. Create a group or club if one doesn’t exist for your current interests.
Present yourself in a way that makes you feel good about how you look. Present yourself in a way that reflects how you want people to view you.
Ask yourself if your reputation truly represents who you are as a person. Make sure that you don’t let the negative things people think about you turn into negative things you believe about yourself. [3] X Research source Always remember that you are a great person that deserves to be treated with respect, no matter what your reputation is. You may find that there are parts of your reputation that you don’t want to or need to change. If you want to change your reputation in order to impress someone or just to fit in, maybe you don’t need to change your reputation, maybe you need to change your friends.
Make sure your outward appearance matches the other changes you are making to your reputation. Talk, walk, and look like the reputation you are building. [6] X Research source Present yourself with confidence. When gossip or negative people come around, don’t let it upset you. When possible, ignore it and be confident knowing that you are changing yourself in positive ways. Make sure the people you socialize with fit the real you and the reputation you are building. [7] X Research source Make sure your cyber personality reflects the changes you are making.
Attend school and social events, meetings, community classes, meet-ups, etc. that support your new reputation. You may have to step outside your comfort zone a bit, but, when you can, volunteer or find a way to participate in activities that build your reputation. Join positive online groups and forums related to your developing reputation.
