I once heard someone in the theater world say “practice makes permanent”. It is so true. If you practice your performance perfectly, it will be permanently perfect; but what if you are practicing it wrong? Last week, as I was reflecting on the question of wardrobe trauma and a reader’s insightful comment about the contribution the whole “trying on” process makes, I encountered a video by Imogen Lamport and Jill Chivers which put into words a concept which I think will be helpful in building confidence.
The comment: wardrobe drama is just a result of trying things on in the first place! I try not to try things on (after I’ve bought them, anyway) unless I’m going to definitely wear them. The whole process of trying out a piece and then changing my mind seems to make me more likely to reject it again in the future.
The concept: when you try something somewhat experimental with what your look, wear it for the entire day.
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Building confidence sometimes is just getting used to “this” being “you”. But it’s not only you that have trouble learning to see yourself as:
- colorful
- business-like
- rocker
or whatever (I still want to be cool enough to wear my hair off my face). A friend or family member who responds with surprise to something I wear can cause me to instantly deflate.
If that happens to you, I think you should just give them another opportunity. Perhaps I should gear up for a week of wearing headbands?
Thanks for the link – I’m glad you found the concept helpful!