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Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success
Making Image ChangesQuestion: I think that I need a massive image overhaul. But I wonder if I should get my haircut, buy new clothes, new accessories all in the same week or should I change things more slowly to not draw to much attention to the revamped me?Lynn D
Answer: Dear Lynn, Yes, just go for it -- even all in one week. The reality is it may take some time to totally change your wardrobe unless you have unlimited time and budget concerns. Generally, people notice haircut changes more quickly than they do clothing. You can use that to your advantage by wearing a new outfit (including accessories) on the day that you are sporting your new hairdo. Although your entrance with new clothes and a new hairdo may push on your comfort zone, when you make a positive change all at once, including hair, people more readily accept the new you as the standard you. More importantly, you can radiate greater confidence, anchoring the new you with your subconscious mind more easily. You should be aware of another dynamic important to image overhauls. It is called "change-back" behavior. This means that you may hear comments like, "I liked you better before." If you receive any negative feedback including teasing about your changes, just know that you are hearing the voice of their personal saboteur. As I discuss in Casual Power, the personal saboteur is a psychological component common to all human beings. I named mine McSly. Some people just have their McSly in check more than others. When someone has an active personal saboteur, it can show up with criticizing comments directed to others for making positive changes in their lives. This sometimes even occurs with spouses, significant others, good friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, etc. -- people that really love you. In these cases, it is more about old conditioning, their fear of change in general, or their fear that you will leave them or no longer love them if you look really great. All McSly tricks. To be very clear, this does NOT mean that you forego your makeover. It is simply an indication that you may want to consider giving more reassurance to those you care about until they adjust to the new you. Secondly, it means that to get ahead in your career, you can ignore or just laugh inwardly if you hear any such comments or joking at work. Also keep in mind that some personality types (especially men) tend to make joking comments rather than give direct compliments. Lynn, enjoy every minute of your transformation. I feel so proud of you even though we have not met! Please keep me posted as to the wonderful life-changing responses that you receive over the next few months.
Best of luck to you,
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