Life is tough. Every day we face different trials and tribulations which cause us considerable stress. Conversations often have heightened tension and can end up hurting someone. But, this can all be alleviated with a simple change in your point of view.

How do you command a presence and become known as a resource?

One of the running jokes in my house revolves around my self-belief. Some of my housemates go as far as calling me an "egomaniac." Often I can be found responding in jest, "Well, I've never had a problem with confidence." The constant and hilarious berating by my peers has me thinking at length about the concept of self-belief. Is how we feel about ourselves that important to our success and fulfillment?

Our words will always do two things: build people up or tear them down.

Joseph Norman is co-founder and editor-in-chief of a weekly E-newsletter, The VIP Profiles. For more information, check out notableandnewsworthy.blogspot.com.

Let's talk about the art of communication. This is stuff you don't learn in a classroom.