Physician Personal Transformation Sometimes Starts With Small Changes in Appearance
Category: Physician Career Resilience, Physician Coaching Tips, Physicians in Business
I recall a fun discussion with on my physician clients about the significance of expressing your “true self” even in small details of how we dress. Although I couldn’t tell when I first met him in person, he was sporting new eyeglasses—“very edgy” compared to his usual.
I frequently observe (and sometimes encourage) my clients start wearing something new to mark the beginning of their professional transformation as they begin the coaching journey.
To thine own self be true.
One client, during a “future visioning” session we conducted, saw his “future self” was wearing a specific style of penny loafers — and so he went out and bought them! Another client bought a new business pant-suit on the occasion of our first client strategy meeting (even though I said business casual), because she intuitively felt it was the appropriate attire for the journey ahead (and she looked fabulous!). When I made my own transition over 18 years ago to healthcare technology, I changed my dress in a seemingly frivolous way: I let my fingernails grow and painted them! (True confession: I chewed my nails to the quick all my life, up until the time I made my transition).
Don’t underestimate the power of making even a minor “symbolic” change in your dress or appearance. I’m curious, what would be your “symbolic” change if you gave yourself the freedom to express more of your true self? Email me!