Because street smarts are so important to every part of your life, here is a quick review of the major elements that go into street smarts. Print this list out and keep it with you, for a regular reminder to be street smart every day.
I. Heightened Awareness
A. Trust your intuition
B. Develop perceptiveness and ability to anticipate
C. Size up people quickly and accurately
D. See the big picture
II. Confidence
A. Fake it till you make it
B. Use chutzpa when necessary
C. Believe in yourself – Be confident
III. Healthy Skepticism
A. Don’t believe everything you see and hear
B. Be hard to take advantage of
C. Use your “mental categories” and generalizations to keep you on guard
D. Give people the time and rope to either hang themselves or prove their integrity/sincerity
IV. Resourcefulness
A. Think quickly on your feet
B. Be persistent
C. Be prepared
D. Be flexible
E. Change your surroundings or adapt
F. Surround yourself with experts & contacts
V. Risk-taking
A. Be willing to take risks
B. Minimize the possible down side
C. Cut your losses and get out if you’re wrong
D. Learn by your mistakes
Here’s to your success,
Tony Alessandra
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Dr. Tony Alessandra has authored 17 books translated into 11 languages, recorded over 50 audio and video programs, and delivered thousands of keynote presentations since 1976. He’s an expert on customer loyalty, collaborative selling, and adapting to different behavior styles.
Do you have any suggestions of other elements that might go into making a person street smart?