A UCLA study revealed that first impressions are made within the first six seconds of meeting someone for the first time. What you actually say only accounts for 7% of the perception made. 38% of that perception is received from tone of voice. A massive 55% is based purely on how you look– the clothes you wear, the way you stand, your physical stature, and your personal grooming.
That being said, there is absolutely no denying that we live in an image-based society. We may not like it; we may not even agree with it. IT IS A FACT. People (almost all people) make assumptions and judgments about you based on what you look like, what your hair looks like, what clothes you are wearing, your watch, your shoes, your Nails, your posture. Before you even open your mouth to speak an almost-final sometimes-fatal decision has been made about you and who you are based almost exclusively on your appearance.
A recent study done by physiologists Laura Naumann of Sonoma State University and Sam Gosling of the University of Texas at Austin published in the December 2009 issue of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin lends further support to these findings.
According to the research, it is undeniable. We are judged by our appearance. How you appear is more important than anything you may say or even do. Not only are people who appear attractive more successful in business, they are presumed to be kinder, warmer, more sincere and more sociable.
How you physically appear to others is quite possibly your most valuable instrument on the path to success in both your business and personal life. Your personal image and the impression you make on others is important!
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It's very true and what's more - how you physically appear to yourself and the messages you send yourself is just as important. We all know that extra, "pep in the step" we get when we feel like we're looking good. Dress like a slouch and you start to feel like a slouch.
ReplyDeleteI think we often underestimate the importance of looking good just to be able to project the confidence that we need to shine in our day to day. Besides the outfit and the outer stuff, confidence, self-respect, feeling comfortable with your look, really ups the impression you make.