Image And You
by Rebecca Evans, Inner Element, LLC
Part of manifesting life into reality is making a commitment to becoming your best. Your image is part of this manifestation. What many of us overlook is that our image begins from within. The zipper for the suit of change is on the inside.
Image is an attitude more than an appearance, but it is also your self-expression to the world. How does one get the outside appearance to match the inside desire?
I created an I.M.A.G.E. technique, from my DVD workshop of the same title, which can help you take a mindful approach and change your image:
INDIVIDUALIZE YOUR IMAGE: First impressions do matter. It is difficult to overcome a negative first impression.
· Wear a style that flatters you.
· Wear a style that is comfortable. You should be able to stand on your feet all day and not have a headache from your shoes. You will appear more relaxed and will be able to focus when you are comfortable in your clothes.
· Wear a style that lasts. Look for clean lines and avoid fads. If you want to pick something that is seasonal, choose an accessory to update your outfit, like a purse, tie, belt or scarf.
MENTAL APPROACH TO IMAGE: What message are you sending to the world with your choice in clothing? What are you saying to the world in your body language?
· Is your image speaking for you? Does that message match what you want to say right now? You may think twice about wearing a bold "Power" suit to a women’s luncheon. Most of us want to send a message that says we are reliable, confident, approachable and successful.
· Pay attention to the details. Do your shoes need polish? Do your nails need a touch up? Attention to detail regarding your image does not mean you need to spend time in a salon. You just need to spend a few moments on the fine grooming.
· Do not adjust. Wear clothing that you need not adjust, especially during interviews or presentations. This includes adjusting your hair. Find styles that need very little maintenance.
· Wear a style that brings you confidence. Would you wear that outfit on Oprah? Would you wear that outfit in church? Could you do brain surgery in that outfit? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you are wearing what I would call an "empowering outfit." You are ready to face any situation with confidence!
ATTITUDE IS PART OF YOUR IMAGE: Image includes your attitude. The expression on your face and the behavior you carry with you become part of your image. How you carry yourself impacts your message to the world:
· What is your relationship with yourself like? You are going to be with yourself for the remainder of your life. You might as well get along with you! Confident people like themselves. How do you feel about you?
· The way others receive you will influence your response to them. What you say matters, but how others interpret what you say will have a greater impact on your image. Great communication takes practice. Read your emails aloud and see if they make sense without changing your tone. Get clear with your written and spoken communication.
· How you carry yourself affects how those around you interpret your intentions. What does your body language say? Are you interested in another person’s perspective or closed off? Do you look tired, bored or ready for a fight? Pay attention to your stance and eye contact, this is part of your image.
GOALS MATTER: Goals keep us moving forward in life and this can help our image stay fresh and inviting.
· Set realistic goals. Make sure that your goals are attainable and achievable.
· Give yourself deadlines to reach your goals.
· Update your goals every few months.
· Your goals should be measurable. You must set goals that are specific instead of vague. "I want to have more energy," is an example of a vague goal. "I want enough energy to run three miles and not pass out," is a more specific goal.
EMPOWERMENT IS IMAGE ENHANCING: What are you doing to get in your own way? Empowerment is taking ownership for our choices, taking our power back and living our best lives. The first aspect of image has little to do with today’s style and everything to do with how you feel about you. It starts with self-care:
· You have a moral obligation to take great care of yourself. You cannot feel powerful, successful or wonderful if you hate how you look. Take time to live a healthy life that includes exercise and great food choices. You have control over your image.
· Take time to get rest. How you feel is greatly impacted by the type of balance you have in your schedule. Include down time to rejuvenate, refresh and remind yourself that you are living a "life worth living."
· What advice would you give your best friend? Be your own best friend. What would you tell yourself to do differently in order to feel better physically and psychologically?
Image does matter. It matters most when the image you are looking at is the reflection in the mirror. Image is part of our lives and the greatest influence is our own self-judgment. What do you need to do different today to get closer to the image you know is inside of you? What needs to change to help you breathe more confidence? What are the excuses that hold you back from looking and feeling your best? You have the power to make changes in your image. You have the power to become your best.
Rebecca Evans is an author, Motivational Speaker and Certified Empowerment Coach. Her new book, co-authored with Lorene Oates, Inner Fitness for Sisters will be available this fall. She has five other books and three DVDs available at www.amazon.com and local bookstores. She resides in Idaho with her husband and four children. To contact Rebecca: www.inner-element.com.
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