Attitude!
You may be asking what does my attitude have to do with me getting my photo taken by an awesome photographer? First, thank you for thinking I am an awesome photographer. Second, EVERYTHING! The below quote sums up how important our thoughts and therefor our attitude is.
“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
-Frank Outlaw
If you are not sure of my 7 recommendations for preparing for your headshot please click here to review the list. Then come right back! You don't want to miss anything.
Now that we know the impact of our attitude how do we go about changing it for the better? Again a great question! The following list is not my own but rather parts of other lists that I like and agree with. These are just ideas to get yourself in a positive thinkings state of mind and may not be for everyone. But they are a great starting point. (Click the bold and italic links for the original articles)
Start in the right direction. - Start your day with positive energy/affirmations. Say things like "Today is going to be a great day!" or "I'm going to look and feel my best today." It's as simple as that.
Use the right words. - Stay away from saying things like: "I don't look good in photos." or "I'm awkward in photos." replace it with "I look damn good in photos!" or "I always look confident in photos." Remember the quote from above. "watch your words, they become actions;"
Believe that you are able to change. - Know without a shadow of a doubt that you can and are able to change your thoughts. YOU and only YOU can put YOU in a great mood. Or vice versa!
Forgive all who attempt to harm you. (Me: Especially yourself) - Let go of all the negative things people might have said or wrote about you. Their thoughts don't reflect who you are. More importantly let go of all the negative thoughts you have of yourself. Let go of that moment you made a fool of yourself in front of a client or boss, that you are not good enough for someone or something, or that you are not smart enough to do something. They serve you no purpose. Instead put that energy into positive thoughts focused on the great things in your life.
Monitor your thoughts and substitute new ones. - When you catch yourself with a negative thought quickly change it to a positive one. If you find yourself saying "I can't do ______." or "I'm not smart enough for _____.", as soon as you realize it say "No! I can do ______." or "I am smart enough for _____." Too easy isn't it? All you have to do is try it.
Write out affirmations/Write out how you’d like to think - "When you’re training yourself to move toward new thought patterns to replace the old ones, it helps if you know in advance what the new thoughts are and should be."
Help someone - (This one can be found on many lists.) Truly help someone. It doesn't have to be anything big. Help your neighbor with the trash or yard work. Open the door for someone that has their hands full even if you are not going into the same building. Helping others makes us happy.
Have an attitude of gratitude - (This one can also be found on many lists.) When you appreciate all that you have in your life you realize how good you have it. Even if you are going through something truly hard look at the things you do have. It can be anything. Appreciate that you woke up this morning, that you can read, that you have internet (no matter how slow it is), that you have shelter, food in your belly. The list can go on forever.
Well there you have it "my" list of ways to help change your attitude to be more positive. Please click on the links. Each link has even more ideas on how to change your attitude. And remember every time you get your photo taken to have an attitude that you look damn good!