On a recent trip to Las Vegas, I found myself observing many people who were dressed for their nights on the town as if they were starring in a movie or TV show about Vegas. They wore shiny faux-gold sunglasses at night (pretty sure they don’t do this at home). They left three or so buttons undone on their shirts (can you imagine that kind of look at your office?). They wore little black dresses and super high heels and they carried purses that glittered like warfare.
As judgmental as I like to be, I am enamored with the idea because in all cases, people were allowing themselves to play, to be a bigger version of themselves. And there’s something so hot about that.
Become a Bigger You
I’ll let you in on a secret. One of my favorite things to say on Twitter is “Man, I’m good looking.” I tweet that about once a month. Whenever I say it, the thought isn’t accurate to how I’m feeling. And I’m not fishing for anything. I’m not hoping people corroborate my message. Instead, I’m just saying it to the universe. And I’m saying it in a cocky voice but more of that Matthew McConaghy style of self-worth, not full on Kanye West.
I say it because right after I say it (heck, I just type it), I feel better. I feel taller. I feel like my shoulders are back and there’s a knowing smile on my face. Like I’m in on a joke.
I think there’s beauty and value in finding ways to be a “bigger” you sometimes. The world around us plays some weird tricks. Everything you read and watch tells you that beautiful and glamorous people are better. Look at all the ads in Vanity Fair and Esquire magazine, for instance. And yet, most of society’s force and energy seems poised to tell you “Just go with the flow. Be like everyone. Fill out this form. Sit in this cube.”
A bigger you might be a great way to improve your confidence. A bigger you leads to being decisive. If you were more willing to say what you thought, and express who you were, what would happen? If you dared to be a bit more bold, what would come next?
And by contrast, how are you benefitting by being a smaller, more quiet, more staid version of you? What is that doing for you? Maybe this is the right time to think about your goals, your intentions, and your time left on this planet. I don’t think there are any points awarded for being the most mild, the most “same,” or the most fitting-in-est person.
You don’t need gold framed sunglasses to do this, unless you do!