We’ve all heard it before. Women say they want a man who’s tall, handsome, educated, financially stable and has good credit. Men say they want a woman who’s beautiful inside and out, can cook, is independent and not jealous. This all sounds good in theory right? However, we all know that often times the people making check lists seldom have the same positive attributes to check off when they look in the mirror. It’s the same scenario as a personal trainer that whips all their clients into shape, but looks like they’ve never step foot into a gym. Or the hairdresser that’s so popular she’s overbooked with appointments, but her own hair looks a mess. Or the basketball coach who can barely make a free throw. It may sound harsh but it’s true. If you don’t believe you fall victim to it, let me explain a few reasons why you do (even if you don’t know it)….

The first example of the relationship check list is pretty self explanatory, so let’s take a look at the personal trainer example. There are 2 trainers in a room. One is visibly in shape (although his/her fitness level stops at what the eye can see…it’s called good genes, lol). The other is not so visibly in shape, largely due to multiple cheat meals at Buffalo Wild Wings whenever there’s a good sports game on. The kicker is that the latter trainer actually delivers better results, but at face value, who would you pick? More than likely the first trainer. Not because they are actually better, but because they look the part. People will seldom take a risk beyond what their naked eyes can see. Sometimes we wonder why we don’t get the recognition we think we deserve for what we are passionate in or even just get paid to do. It could simply just be a matter of buy in. You are your own product, just like a pair of Nike’s, a popular restaurant or a CD on the rack. What is it about you that will make others “purchase you” over someone else? It’s amazing what a few minor (and major) tweaks can do to change your own perspective and how others perceive you.

This is not a put down on the way anyone operates or presents themselves on a day to day basis. I’ve just seen and talked about so many of these examples discussed here, that it was only fitting to blog about it today. Ironically, I do believe there are some types of people that are exceptions to the rule…let’s take a look at a medical doctor. Sure, we may have a certain picture in our heads of how a doctor should look. But what trumps our carnal view is their patients’ success rates. That really speaks volumes much louder than a clean shaven look, a winning smile and a warm touch could ever do. But that’s another blog for another day. Today, and every day, let’s imagine ourselves being on a shelf with other artists, teachers,  managers, etc. The consumer has free range to pick anyone up, but can only use the packaging labels that are presented. Who will they pick up and why? Would you buy you off the rack?