Beauty challenge shows how you can get noticed

I often teach people to feel and look their best. “Act confident, and you will become confident,” I say. “Look nice and you will feel nice.” But I hadn’t put it it to the test, until now.

I call this experiment my beauty challenge. I wanted to see if the way I felt about how I looked actually made a difference in the world around me.

I decided to go to a big box store twice in one day and get the same four items.

The first time I went in my workout clothes and no makeup. I purposely frowned and did not walk like a lady.

No one paid attention to me. No associate offered to help me, and even the door greeter ignored me. I started feeling more hurt and angry as I shopped. By the time I checked out, no one had smiled or helped me. I was alone in a sea of people. At final checkout, I was given my total and that was it.

I was hurt. I was even a little mad at the world, though I knew better. If I went to the store and was looking for someone to notice me or pick me up, it wouldn’t have happened.

The world ignored me because I told it to.

I went back later that day and got the same four items. This time I put myself together. I did my hair and makeup like I always do — in fact, I had just gotten done with work. I walked like a lady, held my head high and smiled.

My experience was completely different. I received 16 smiles. (Secret: If you smile at the world, it will smile back.) Four associates offered to help me, and I was in a fully engaged conversation with the cashier. I left the store fulfilled and happy with the world.

I observed that when I put myself together and felt confident in my appearance, the world treated me different than when I hid from it.

Indeed, the beauty challenge reaffirmed my belief that confidence is beauty. When you believe in yourself, the world believes in you.

Find your beauty, look up, smile, and walk and talk with purpose. You will be amazed how great you feel, and how your world become a more beautiful place.

I urge you to take this beauty challenge. Share your experience with us. Let’s help others learn the truth about beauty.

Remember: It starts with a smile.