First impressions
If Beyoncé walked into your house inappropriately dressed, you probably won't realize that she's a talented musician. Britain's got talent competitor and winner Susan Boyle was written off when she got on stage for the first time because of her initial appearance.
Your appearance although not everything will tell your story, long before you open your mouth or offer a handshake.
What's your why?
I've been a fitness trainer for well over a decade and I've heard of numerous reasons why people decide to join the gym. Reasons can vary from health reasons to mental reasons. The most popular reason however is because of the need to look good. This reason to look good is usually prompted by the need to impress a love interest, save a failing relationship, an upcoming social event and so on.
Why did you wait until now? What changed? I remember when I first really took interest in how I look. I was 15 years old and had just played my first rugby game for my school team. We won and I was the man of the match. That day, the sports coach made a remark that kick started a journey. He said, “Theo, Jesus! You are built like a machine for your age”. I had no idea what that meant, a friend of mine later explained that the coach thought I was in good physical shape.
Looking back, I have always been in good shape but it had never been highlighted before. My sports coach chose me to play in the team without a tryout based on 'how good I looked'. I DID NOT earn my place in the team like everyone else. He trusted my physical appearance.
UNFAIR ADVANTAGE?
The ‘in shape’ pretty instagram influencer that travels to Bali or Dubai every 6 weeks because she gets paid hefty sums to post content online probably isn’t in that position because of a university degree. She has the appearance that marketers are willing to pay big bucks for. Could you do a better job than her? Probably, if you look like her or better.
Unequal treatment due to physical appearance is unfair but a normal fact of life. A study led by William Skylark at the University of Cambridge found that people who look more attractive are SUBCONSCIOUSLY JUDGED as smarter, more attractive, trust worthy and morally competent than their less attractive counterparts. This will have a direct impact on the financial success, quality of life and general happiness that people experience.
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
Here's the good news, what we can do to improve how attractive we feel and look is mostly down to us. Your genetics and the proportions of your face and physique are not, you get whatever your parents hand down to you.
Getting and staying active is a proven way to improve one's look and quality of life. A Leeds Met research study found that employees that exercise regularly were happier, interacted better with colleagues and were more productive. As little as 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week is all you need to improve your appearance. A diet rich in protein, moderate carbs and fiber is also an important part of this schedule.
As the weeks and months go by, it's important to progress your journey, nothing should be static, the further you push your limits, the better you will look and feel.
Wishing you health and happiness wherever you are ❤️
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