Why I'm Not Wearing Makeup To Work...Today.

No, this article is not about my taking some political stance or my trying to bring awareness to some cause - it's about why I don't buy in to the "you perform how you dress" mentality. 

I've always been one who believes that performance and attitude are not determined by outward appearance (i.e., my outfit for the day). Now, don't get me wrong, I like to dress nice and looked 'glammed' up like the rest of 'em...

Buuuuuut, I'm not a person who likes to dress in a suit or skirt every day just to do my job, either. 

See, today, like many days, I elected to go to work bare-faced. Yep...no makeup.

I awoke this morning, ready to take on the world - and I didn't need to dress like a millionaire or put on lipstick to do it. I awoke this morning with the attitude that I was going to get things done...because I wanted to get things done. I looked in the mirror, looked down at my makeup console, and thought, "Nah. Not today."

And you know what? I feel great! I got work done! I had a pretty darn productive day. And not one smudgy eyeliner to fix or reapplication of lipstick needed. 

My typical day starts out with me looking in my drawer to find out what T-shirt I'd like to wear. Then I grab a pair of jeans out of the closet. I quickly assess if my body heat will get the wrinkles out or if they need to be ironed (and by iron, I mean thrown in the dryer). Then I grab matching socks, if available, and figure out what shoes I want to wear. That's the process. Takes five minutes, if that. And that's about the extent of what I'd like to grant to my prep time. Now, of course, I'm not factoring in brushing my hair or applying makeup. 

But today, I opted out of makeup. Because I just didn't want to. 

My point is this, that whole mentality that you have to dress in a suit and tie in order to act more professional or do a superb job is good as a motivational sentence, but I don't believe it actually changes someone's internal drive or passion with wanting to succeed. That part must come from within. A person must already want to succeed, otherwise, dressing to the nines every day is more of a nuisance, a chore, part of the whole song and dance. Desire cannot be manufactured.

I'm not about that life. 

I'm going to do a good job, whether I'm dressed in a hoodie and jeans, or in a dress. I'm going to do a good job, whether I'm wearing sandals or high heels. I'm going to do a good job...because I want to do a good job. 

I do better when I'm comfortable. Period. 

Hell, if I was allowed to wear basketball shorts and a T-shirt to work every day, I would. And you know what? I'd still forge great relationships with new clients, continue to build upon existing client relationships, and continue to contribute to our collective mission...because...you guessed it! I want to. Besides, I work in an office, and most of my interaction is via phone or email or with colleagues. What would be the point of taking extra time to get prepped and ready for work, increasing my dry cleaning bill, and ultimately impressing my computer screen? (that was rhetorical) 

Many professionals may disagree with all that I've said. Many professionals feel that dressing for success determines success. And they are entitled to their opinions. 

But my success is determined upon my effort and my drive. Not the suit I'm wearing. 

-Shanda Thomas-