(Ed.: This post was originally published at Solo-E with the wrong author name. We regret the error.)

Let’s face it, we are all evolving and changing all the time. It never ends — you reach one goal, then you create a new one. It’s wonderful to be able to continue to grow and change! The question is: Has your style changed along with you, or are you still dressing someone from your past? Your former self or the woman you’re meant to be? Is what’s going on in your head disconnected from what’s happening in your heart?

I’ve worked with clients who tell me they want to change their look, to be transformed, and yet when we actually start to do the work I find they are resistant. I often wonder, where is the disconnect?

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• They want to make changes, yet they are fearful they may receive comments from friends and family that disapprove of their new look.

• They think that their new look will be difficult to maintain.

• They worry about no longer fitting in with the people they have been friends with for years.

• They worry that it will cost too much money, and they’re not used to spending money on themselves or their appearance.

So how do you change your look and change your life and have everything remain status quo? You don’t! CHANGE means doing things differently, since what you’ve been doing up until now is no longer working for you.

It’s true, there may be friends or family who no longer feel comfortable around the “new” you because of their own fears and insecurities. They see you making positive changes in your life and business, and that might be stirring up some unfinished business for them. Your true friends will be proud of you for taking steps to grow more fully into who you really are! They will be excited for you as they see you letting your light shine brightly. As you change, new people will be drawn to you who will be important in your journey — some for a moment, some for a lifetime.

Change can feel scary, no doubt about it. You are stretching and growing, and that always brings up some feelings of unease. Believe in yourself and know that growing, changing and stretching are all good things — you are moving more toward the life you desire and deserve. Nothing in life stays forever the same. It’s healthy to evolve and make changes as we stretch and grow into the person we are truly meant to be. So embrace the changes! Take baby steps if it feels too overwhelming, or jump right in and start making changes immediately! Only you know what feels right. Sometimes after you take one or two small steps it feels so great you want to make those changes faster and more impactful.

Will you need to invest money to change your appearance? Yes. But notice I used the word “invest” not “spend.” You’re not just spending money. You’re investing in yourself … investing in you and your personal image. By doing so, you are making an important statement that you care about yourself and the way you show up in the world.

I recently worked with a client to change her image, and she sent me a message saying she was amazed by all the compliments she was getting now that she’s wearing clothes that fit her body shape and complement her coloring. One of her co-workers even asked her why she was dressing up every day. She answered, “because I love the way I FEEL in these clothes”! She has definitely noticed how different she is feeling because she is wearing clothing that fits, flatters and fulfills her on every level. She is dressing with intention and making sure that she’s only buying things that make her feel wonderful.

Sometimes all it takes is one baby step toward your future to give you the energy and motivation to make the changes necessary to step into that spotlight! Are you ready to take that step today?

Related Posts

• Change on the Horizon: Feeling the Fear?
• Change
• Is It Time to Make a Change?
• You Don’t Have to Make Everything Right in the World
• Solopreneurs: Strategy Change is the Solution!

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 11:00 am and is filed under Solo Entrepreneur Lifestyle, Solo Entrepreneur Mindset. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Wardrobe and Style Consultant Laurie Mandato has always been excited about fashion and style. She knows people feel better when they look good. Laurie was drawn to image consulting work because she’s passionate about bringing out the best in others. She is a Certified Color Consultant, Fashion Feng Shui® facilitator, and a member of The Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). She is president of the AICI New England Chapter and founder of Imaging Joy. Laurie is passionate about working with speakers, authors, executive leaders, coaches and entrepreneurs who are stepping into the spotlight. She helps them match their image to their message, feeling fabulous and confident in the role of speaker. She hosts workshops and teleclasses about finding your unique presence and bringing it authentically to the world in your appearance. Contact Laurie by visiting her website at http://www.ImagingJoy.com.