Is your appearance blocking your business? Do you fear you will lose clients over your appearance? I often hear people talk about their weight, smile, etc. as a reason they avoid the camera, whether that be Facebook Live, recorded video, or photos. People’s beliefs around appearance often hold them back from achieving both personal and professional goals.
What are you afraid of?
I myself have wrestled with feelings of insecurity when it comes to my appearance. Recently, I was supposed to go to my colourist about my grey hair, but she got sick. I made the appointment because I wanted to discuss incorporating my grey hair into my current colour, but when the appointment was cancelled an alarm went off. I am afraid of my hair going grey because: I am afraid people will reject me if my hair is grey. I am afraid they will think I am old.
From a personal perspective, I have a 13- and a 10-year old and I did not want to be perceived as an old mom, but truth be told, chronologically and biologically speaking, some may consider me an old mom. I had my last child at the age of 38, which is old to some people.
Professionally speaking, I started to imagine and fear that people would not want to work with me if I had grey hair because they would think I am too old. Interestingly enough, I recently had a client who was also afraid she looked too old to take her business to the next level.
When it comes to your appearance, what fears and beliefs do you have around appearance? Do you have a block around doing videos or photos? Why is that? What excuses are you using?
How to get past your appearance
Think about what is holding you back from putting yourself out there. Then look around for someone you admire who has some of the things you are struggling with. Perhaps they have grey hair or are overweight. If you’re an aging entrepreneur worried about people thinking you are old then think about someone like Martha Stewart, who didn’t start building her empire until she was in her forties.
When it comes to weight, look for someone such as Denise Duffield-Thomas, who talks openly about her weight. It’s a nonissue for her, so she makes a great mindset role model, especially if you are self-conscious about your weight.
Think about your role models and what their beliefs are around their appearance.
In the end, people will want to work with you based on what you have inside: skills, knowledge, experience, etc. This is why people are hiring you and want to work with you. If you are letting something as simple as the colour of your hair stop you from putting yourself out there and getting those long-overdue professional photos, then now is the time to de-clutter some of those old beliefs and work to accept your appearance.
If you struggle with beliefs around appearance, book a free call and let’s chat about how we can work together to break through those beliefs that are blocking you. I also encourage you to join my Core Beliefs for Business Facebook Group. It’s a group filled with encouraging entrepreneurs always looking to support and help one another.