Focus on Receiving in 2016

By Brian Maynor

 

As we start a new year we often look at our lives and focus on things we want to give up, but make this year different.

While the goals of losing 10 pounds, spending less and saving more or purging your closet are great, this year probably won’t be the first time you’ve made those resolutions to abandon them a few days later. In an attempt to stick to the “best you” approach to 2016 here are a few resolutions we should all make because not only will they improve every aspect of your life, they center around receiving, which is actually harder to do than purging:

1.    Accept compliments. How many times do you think you deflect or dismiss a compliment during the day? For most of us, it’s every time we receive one. While we may be great at giving compliments to other people, for a lot of us it is much harder to accept them. Studies have shown that women are more prone to this behavior than men, but no one is completely immune to it. The overriding research is that there is an inherent fear that accepting a compliment will make us look self-serving or vain, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Accepting compliments immediately boosts our self-esteem and that in turn makes us feel better, act better and of course look better, and there is a very simple way to do it. The next time you receive a compliment just say “thank you”.

2.    Accept the offers of others. Whether it’s an offer to help or a gift, the intent is the same. Instead of immediately turning it down in an attempt to appear gracious, swallow your pride and accept the offer. When we offer to do something for someone it’s rarely something we don’t want to do, so when someone is offering something to you chances are it comes from that same desire to help.

Plus we know from experience that if someone continuously turns you down you eventually stop offering.

3.    Accept your value. This is an internal struggle that often manifests as an over use of saying ‘sorry.’ If you think about it, how many times are you saying ‘sorry’ or otherwise apologizing for something you shouldn’t be like voicing an opinion, asking a question or trying to make other people feel more comfortable? By constantly apologizing or starting sentences with ‘sorry’ you demean your value, allow others to take advantage of you and look insecure.

So this year stop saying ‘sorry’ out of politeness or fear of looking strong and save it for when you really need, and mean it.

Resolutions are a natural part of embarking on a new year because they signify goals and accomplishments we want to achieve, but instead of falling back on the usual ones that center around giving something up make this year different by focusing on changes that will help you receive things.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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