| e our personal image is more important than how | | | | reasons. Some of these include: |
| others perceive us. We are nearly always our | | | | •they think they can’t afford to do |
| harshest critic; we are more judgmental of ourselves | | | | better |
| than anyone else. Frequently our sense of identity and | | | | •they don’t recognise the positive |
| self worth is intrinsically related to our visual image. We | | | | attributes they have |
| worry about the view of ourselves that we present to | | | | •they focus too keenly on negative aspects |
| the world. Why? Because instinctively we know that | | | | •they don’t feel worthy of change |
| others form opinions about us based on the way we | | | | •they don’t know how to change |
| look. And, the vast majority of people want to be | | | | One of the greatest pleasures for an image consultant |
| judged positively, people like to be liked. | | | | is the chance to help women step out of the visual rut |
| It’s a liberating and comforting place to be | | | | they have been stuck in and discover their true |
| when we reach a stage in our lives when we are | | | | potential. It is wonderful to be able to demonstrate to |
| happy in our own skin. A few people come to this | | | | women that they don’t need the perfect figure |
| point very early in their lives; they are usually | | | | (whatever that might be) or the classical features of a |
| independently minded, strong personalities, perhaps | | | | Hollywood movie star to look wonderful. We are all |
| innovative and creative. They are exceptional. They | | | | delightfully unique and each one of us can look |
| are happy with whom they are and if the rest of the | | | | fabulous, regardless of our size and shape. |
| world doesn’t agree, it’s not their | | | | So, does our personal image matter? Absolutely! Our |
| problem. | | | | personal image is very often the visual shorthand |
| There are those who strive to be happy with their | | | | others will use to engage with us or not. This has |
| own visual persona by creating, over time, an image | | | | implications for our professional, social and romantic |
| that they like and that they feel accurately represents | | | | lives. Our personal image should accurately express |
| them. This usually takes a little longer to achieve and | | | | our attitudes, values, aspirations, personality and worth. |
| women may be in their 40’s or 50’s | | | | Sight is the most significant sense human beings |
| before they have arrived at a point where their inner | | | | possess, we rely on it above all other senses. Dogs will |
| self matches their outer self. | | | | lick you or bite you based on how you smell; humans |
| There are however, many women who never ever | | | | will engage or dismiss you based on how you look. In |
| feel satisfied with their visual image. Their | | | | the fast paced society in which we live, people have |
| dissatisfaction stems from a yearning to look and feel | | | | become even more reliant on visual clues to make |
| good but not knowing how to achieve it. They may | | | | judgments about others. It is in our best interests to |
| say that they don’t care how they look. They | | | | develop a personal image that honours us and does |
| remain dissatisfied with their appearance for a raft of | | | | us justice. |