One of my favorite sayings is, “Why show up unless you want to be remembered?” I follow this with, “Leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.” In other words, be remembered for the right reasons.
There are actually two aspects to being memorable – how you dress and how you behave and in many ways they are equally important. Show up beautifully and professionally dressed with a bad attitude and you’ll be remembered but not for the right reason. Have a great attitude and show up unkempt and it will be difficult for anyone to get past your appearance. So, what is the answer to being remembered in favorable light?
I happened to catch a Dolly Parton interview not long ago and she shared rather openly the truth of how she always looks ‘impeccable’. Dolly goes to bed with makeup (extreme, don’t you agree?) and with a wig by her nightstand. Should an emergency force a quick exit, she wants to show up exactly the way she wants you to see her! Well, I’m not suggesting any of us follow her lead, however, I am suggesting that how you show up in the world is exactly how you want others to see you.
For 29+ years I’ve had a signature style – I always wear cowboy boots. Admittedly, it’s a bit different and always is a bit decisive, however, every day – yes even in warm weather – I wear cowboy boots. Exceptions: beach or at L.A. Fitness! If Barbara Bush always wears her 3 strands of pearls, Larry King wears suspenders and Elton John his unusual glasses, I guess there’s a reason! They have each created a singular style and it’s noticeable and expected. How does this apply to you? It is not too late to consider ‘creating’ a specific style. Begin collecting scarves, unusual pins, unique color themes – anything that starts to create a change in your appearance. Remember what I said earlier? Why show if you don’t want to be remembered? Your appearance is the very first thing that creates a response. Adding vibrant colors to your wardrobe, a consistent accessory or anything that sets you apart is a great way to attract others. Appearance opens the door to conversation and connection. Poor appearance is surely a door closer.
The same is true of your behavior. Are you kind, generous, neat, punctual and a woman of her word? Or are you moody, cheap, sloppy and perpetually late? How you show up is how your life plays out. How many times have you made excuses for a messy car to a passenger, apologized again for tardiness or split a dining check down the middle to the penny? How many times have you made commitments and had to change the plans? How reliable are you?
When it comes to being memorable, appearance AND behavior are the two factors that will either engage or turn off others. It really doesn’t matter if you think you’ve ‘got it together’. What matters is do others respond to you the way you want them to? One could stay, “I expect others to accept me as I am” and I agree with you. That being said, however, how you choose to represent yourself has a lot to do with self-respect. When you feel positive, look positive and greet the world with a confident ‘YOU’ your confidence strengthens, your outcomes improve and you leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.
Might this be worth a shift in your thinking and choices? Only you can decide that for yourself. As always, I welcome your feedback/comments.
