Make a First Impression That Lasts

Fall in Love… with your perfect imperfections

The glorious feeling of falling in love, that skip it puts in your step, the smile that lights up your face and the way you feel like your heart skips a beat. The warm glow that surrounds you is just priceless. The traits and characteristics that we love far outweigh the ones we do not even see. Whether it is with another person, a pet or even our jobs, when we fall in love, it exudes out of us. People ask what is different because of the sunshine emanating from our bodies.   

As we move into the new year, often there are resolutions that are made. Most common ones are to finally lose that five pounds, work out more frequently and eat better. What if this was simplified and we simply found our traits and characteristics that we love about ourselves? Frequently, I speak to groups of professional women and one of the first things that I ask them is to think of three things that they love about their body, specifically their body. The looks on their faces tells me every time that they are immediately thinking of everything they do not like. What causes this trigger and what effect does it have?

It is well known that with greater confidence in ourselves, our posture is better, we speak more fluidly and smile more frequently. The result is that others respond to this and immediately believe in our efforts and ability to get results. A first impression is made in a 1/10th of a second (Princeton 2017) or in seven seconds (Harvard 2017), either way it is the blink of an eye with a judgment made trust, competence and abilities. Radiate that self confidence as soon as you walk in the room, pick up the phone or communicate and watch how your performance improves, ultimately so does your profitability and paycheck. Your image matters. It is a fact, it is not just about hard work or skill, you must look the part to command the room and own your space. 

As we stroll into the new year, here are some tips on how to do that:

Assess your body the way it is right now, today. Find those three things that you love about yourself. Personally, I love my long legs, fair skin and blue eyes. If you have already done this, find three more things that you love about yourself. I love my skin that never breaks out, my arms that have stayed fit and slender and hair that has finally grown back after my battle with cancer. 

Next, get in your closet. Remove those items that do not add value, joy or evoke positive emotions. Do not keep those items that are hanging there waiting to fit. If you are really determined to change your body, take those items and put them away until you have reached your goal. Otherwise, they are just there taunting you, and that is not motivating. 

Create a focused shopping list of what is really missing in your wardrobe. It is so easy to get lost navigating through websites, wondering through stores, looking at Instagram and Pinterest. Stay laser focused on what you really need and attain that.

Everyday wear something that you love and makes you feel as special as you are. Whether it is a shade of lipstick, your favorite handbag on your arm, a pair of shoes that bring stride to your steps, undergarments that put that sly smile on your face or a piece of clothing that flatters body parts you love, don something that brings you joy. 

All of this will show through, your confidence will improve and so will how others react to you. Watch your productivity improve, your performance get better, ultimately so will your profits and paycheck. As a professional, this is our goal. 

Get a coach if you need to help you, connect with your friends or colleagues to create a collaborative, read inspirational quotes, meditate, whatever works for you. Because you work for you, put the effort in to yourself and watch this investment pay off for you this year and in the years to come. Be powerful. Be impressive. Be memorable. 

Contact styledgefashion.com for your complementary consultation and to get started on the path to greater success. Don't wait, make the change, a new you means new results.