The term branding in no longer associated exclusively to businesses and organisations. Today, almost every individual has a personal brand, whether we like it or not. We manage ourselves as real CEOs, targeting new goals and creating a place for ourselves in society.
- Positive self-image fosters enthusiasm and achievement.
Just as companies use branding to foster a good reputation with their customers and differentiate themselves from competitors, an individual’s focus is often very similar, building a name on things like honesty, integrity and commitment. Everyone’s skillset and positive attributes however are unique, and it’s this distinctiveness that helps differentiate us within our social circles. The same pattern can be adapted on a professional level to promote your self-image, reputation and further enhance career opportunities.
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Katherine Kaputa, a professional branding coach and author of, The Art of Self-Branding writes,
“To some people, branding may seem manipulative or phony, ‘I’d just rather be myself,’ they say, ‘go with the flow and see where my career takes me’. If you don’t brand yourself, others will. The fact of the matter is you’re giving the power to other people to brand you if you don’t do it yourself.”
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Conveying the best image of yourself is difficult to do if you don’t personally believe it yourself. People can easily see through an act based upon what you think people want to see and hear. Expressing the right image to your peers and colleagues is about building and cultivating this self-image within you so you naturally believe in yourself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should develop an over-sized ego and become self-centred, but confidence in your own abilities adds sincerity to your convictions.
The strengths and weaknesses we all have internally affect how we act and how our circle relates to us. Luckily, self-image isn’t something permanently fixed and is subjected to change over time. A healthier and more accurate view of who we are needs to be developed, challenging the distortions in the mirror, and it starts with learning to accept and love ourselves.
A positive self-image will foster enthusiasm about new projects and help us reach greater goals. Personal achievements will naturally follow and will help you sustain this positive and empowering self-image of yourself.
- SWOT Yourself!
Don’t be afraid, take a minute, and be your own mirror. Try to assess as objectively as you can your believed and often integrated strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities.
Establishing a SWOT of yourself will help you identify areas of expertise as well as areas that require immediate attention to better prepare yourself for any future opportunities that may arise.
- Strengths– What are your main strengths? This is a list of your professional and personal assets that make you stand out from others.
- Weaknesses– Identify those areas and character traits where shortcomings are obvious obstacles to growth. Be realistic and objective.
- Opportunities– List areas where you can add value to upcoming projects, or fields where you see a potential benefit either in management related activities or personal enrichment.
- Threats– What could you be doing differently to improve your position and where are your biggest barriers? What changes do you expect within your company or personal environment that may impact you directly?
Once the assessments completed, identify tools and resources that can help you deal with areas of improvements. Exploit your strengths, work on your weaknesses and get ready for potential threats. Be aware of potential opportunities; identify them in real-time and have the confidence to seize them when they arise.
- Visualize and reinvent yourself through meditation.
Meditation is known to be a very good tool that helps you get closer to your inner-self and process some of the changes at a deep and sustainable level. Helping to increase your confidence and self-esteem.
In the book “Breaking the habits of being yourself” doctor Joe Dispenza explains the Quantum Theory [1] the wonderful science of changing your mind through the regular practice of mediation through three steps: thinking, feeling and being.
Meditation is the process of relaxing your entire nervous system and brain. When our brains reach the theta state – the brain’s activity is similar to that of a 5-year-old child, making it much more inclined to learn, believe and integrate new ideas and concepts. The regular practice of meditation will allow you to learn these new behavioral patterns faster and better. So, whether you want to quit smoking, control your anger or make major personal changes, meditation can help you achieve all your new resolutions.
It is one of the most profound tools that will help you develop the ultimate vision of yourself. Reaching and allowing yourself to take the right direction in life.
- You are unique, so is your story.
As a brand, you story describes your mission as an individual, your culture and your history: Where do you come from? Where did you get started? Why do you do why you do? Where have you been and where are you going?
Simon Sinek explains the Golden Circle Theory [2] and the greatest 21st century storytellers and business men such as Steve Jobs and Richard Branson have proved it: you may be in competition with hundreds of individuals, your story will always be different, and that’s where one of your biggest strengths can be found.
With so many people out there, it’s your story that can really differentiate you. Try to pay a careful attention to how you tell that story; ensure it’s sincere and how you showcase it. It can make a real difference.
Words are one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal, having the confidence the express them and believing “our own hype” is paramount to influencing your brand and people’s perception of you. With it you’ll be better placed to reach all of life’s goals, both socially and at work.
So start feeling good about yourself, meditate on it, act on it and be it. Make yourself the story, a good one: that is the key to self-realisation.
Marie Boucaut is a mindful seeker of inspiration and adventure. Born and raised in France until eighteen, she then left home to go study abroad. From Scotland to Australia, she spent three year building up a well rounded knowledge of international business and discovered new cultures. In 2013, craving for new discovery, she travel through Asia for half a year and led herself volunteering in wonderful India where she taught english to deprived kids. She came out of this life experience empowered and willing to make a difference. She now works for Sussex Meditation, helping individuals to lead the happiest, healthiest life they can by providing classes and courses for Meditation in Brighton.
Sources
[1] http://www.drjoedispenza.com/index.php?page_id=creating_greatest_ideal
[2] http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action#t-18036
