Stuck in a rut? - Try changing your physical appearance.

In honor of my favorite hockey team,the Chicago Blackhawks (perhaps you heard of them?), I decided to jump on the bandwagon and not trim my beard or cut my hair for the duration of their time in the playoffs.

What that means is that I put off my annual ritual buzz cut for the summer. Until yesterday, that is, because my Hawks are now NHL champions! So, anyway, yesterday I shaved my beard and my head.

I shave my head every summer to institute a physical change in my appearance. The act of making a change in my apperance helps move me into summer mode.

In addition, when I shave my head, I look lighter and more athletic. The wind blowing through my hair makes me feel faster. Partially because of this physical change, I actually work out more and have more confidence.

So here's a suggestion. If you feel like you are in a rut or are not happy with your station in life, try making a physical change in your appearance. This change can alter your mood and increase your confidence, making your life change easier and longer lasting.

Want a different career? Try dressing and grooming yourself in the same way as someone with that career. Putting on glasses makes people feel smarter. Dressing up in ties and power suits makes people feel more confident.

This is the reason swimmers shave their heads. The physical drag reduction is minimal. Swimmer shaves because the swimmers "feel" faster, then believe they are faster, and finally they swim faster.

This is the reason job coaches tell their clients to dress up for even the most casual phone interviews. And they tell job hunters to always dress up as if they were going into the office even when performing their search.

Now, I am not saying you should spend money on plastic surgery or make drastic expensive changes. Even small changes can lead to large mental changes. If you want to make a life-change, try making a change in your appearence.

See you tomorrow.

-P