Success is an inside job

In the world of Instagram and YouTube, we have become obsessed with looks. A 2D image on our mobile screens doesn't allow for much depth.

Am I strong enough? Do I have the right shoes on? Tattoos are "in." Or no...

I am all for personal transformation and altered appearance. I have gone through many in my almost 4 decades on earth. A clean cut teenager. A rebellious college student with hair down his back (cuz that's what surfers do). A steam pressed corporate stiff in khakis and a button up.

Listen...I am not here to say appearance doesn't matter. We are wired as humans to judge. We evolved in tribes and are programmed at a deep level with a desire to fit in.

A counter argument to this is...what about the rebels? The woke folks? They don't care to fit in. In fact, their uniqueness is often mirrored in those whom they relate to...therefore forming their "non-conformist tribe."

Whether you are happy with your outward appearance or not, I am here to offer my thoughts. Changes that manifest externally almost always follow changes that occurred within.

When I grew my hair long, I did so because I subscribed to the rebel surfer mental model. I am a surfer. We operate outside of normal 9-5 office life. Therefore, we do things differently. My mind shifted first. Then all my haircut appointments were cancelled.

After 4 years behind a desk as an accountant, my physicality suffered. I was the not-so-proud owner of a "dadbod" for the first time in my long athletic life. My outward appearance changed because my inner landscape shifted first. I no longer prioritized exercise, sport and time outside. I instead focused on advancing my career by being stationary at my standing desk and cranking out tax returns.

External follows internal.

If you want to make a change in your appearance (lifestyle, posture, muscle gain, movement mechanics) you must start with your brain. Your priorities, thoughts and beliefs will direct your action or inaction. Behavior becomes habit. And habits dictate your results.