How you can change your life. Lesson 1

One of the things I learned in NLP - That's Neurolinguistic Programming for those who haven't heard me blabber on and on thereof - is that we learn by modeling... and, as a corollary, if it's possible for one person it's possible for anyone.
(as an aside, I know you don't really believe this, but trust me, it's true)...
So last night I was at the Lakewood Bar and Grill listening to Shig Shag (our running club's band) perform their last gig... and wow, they had the absolute best time. The end was extremely authentic and very, very impactful. A few shots and few bits of random silliness, and then Sarah realized it was the last time she'd ever sing with Melissa (who's moving to L.A.).
They had fun. We had fun. And the energy at the end made it very, very memorable.
But back to my lesson...
So there I was, studying my friend Barb in her choices... simple hair, simple makeup, simple jewelry, extraordinary sweater... and what struck me is that everything was tasteful and worked. Not only that, but she's worked hard to be still fit and slim in her late 40s.
Same with the bassists new wife. Everyday hair, everyday face, everyday jeans and top, extraordinary shoes. All of it put together very appropriately. And flawless, too.
So then I felt, as usual, like I hadn't been paying attention.
I ate wings and fries last night. Should have skipped the fries.
I wore a bold skirt with a plain top and plain shoes, but I added a busy sweater and it was a mess as an outfit. I forgot my earrings and watch, which means I looked unfinished. And I had done my hair, but it jsut seemed like not enough. I wasn't polished and I wasn't full of care in making my decisions and I wasn't happy with myself.
However, I decided to make a useful exercise out of all this... I wrote down all the things all those women did right... and then how I could do them too.
Today, I went to a meeting at lunch and had a fabulous time. It was very energizing.
But the best part is, I felt put together. And it didn't take much. I have all I need. I just had to be conscious about what I was doing as I got ready.
(as an aside, I did forget earrings, but no one noticed).
And the best part of all this is... I can stretch this lesson even further... I can study the actions and beliefs of those who successfully find work in a down economy, write down everything I learn and extrapolate how I can use this technique on myself.
So... I feel very inspired. And all because Barb had on a fabulous sweater at a bar on a Sunday night.