The Perfection Infection

It’s Fashion’s Night Out.

With models everywhere, feeling self-critical might be expected.

Our professional and personal lives are extraordinary by any measure – so why are even the best of us low on self-esteem?

“Confidence and self-esteem isn’t just based on the results you achieve in your profession,” says Jess Weiner, the Dove Campaign’s global ambassador.

“It’s directly related to the way you work, the way you think, and the way you feel about daily life.”

The Dove Campaign was started in 2004, after a study found only 2 percent of women globally, consider themselves beautiful.

Women are about twice as self-critical as men.

And self-doubt can adversely impact job performance by lowering productivity, energy levels and confidence.

Luminaries say today’s competitive culture causes women to place pressure on themselves to reach an impossible perfection standard.

The media doesn’t help. We have become accustomed to rigid standards of beauty. Women inevitably compare themselves to the photo-shopped models they see in the press, and this keeps them from advancing.

Is achieving this elusive self-esteem easier said than done?

Weiner’s tips include forming relationships with other professional women for a support system. She says, “you don’t have to have all the answers or strive for perfection.”

Make lists of what you do have – not what you don’t.

Better yet, begin mentoring a girl. Not only does it cultivate open and honest communication, mentoring “has a remarkable way of reminding you just how fabulous you are, too,” she adds.

Women have achieved great things. If we take time to appreciate ourselves and embrace our beauty, the opportunities to succeed personally and professionally are endless.

Bonus PINK Link: Read more about how women become great in many aspects of their lives.

Can you relate?

By Felicia Edlin

“Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.” Sophia Loren