In our dance world, we know body language is everything. It's not just the rhythm, the moves, or the choreography; it's how we embody them and showcase our emotions. But have you thought about how this language of the body impacts all facets of your life?
The Quiet Communicator
It's like a dance, this communication business. The verbal part constitutes roughly 40%, but an astounding 60% is non-verbal. It's not only about the words we utter or their tone, but also about what people observe. Remember, we communicate visually - 85% through our eyes, 10% via our ears, and the leftover 5% through touch, taste, and smell.
In a world where first impressions can open or close doors, it's crucial to understand that within the first 90 seconds of meeting you, people form 90% of their opinion about you. This includes your attire, hairstyle, cleanliness, manners, and overall looks. Even when you're motionless, you're saying something.
Body Language & Self-Reflection
Body language isn't just about how we interact with others; it's about how we converse with ourselves. The way we hold ourselves sends signals to our brains, shaping whether we feel secure or threatened, confident or insecure.
But here's the thing, one common barrier that often prevents us from feeling confident is imposter syndrome.
Authenticity Amidst Imposter Syndrome
When authenticity is on the table, we often bump into a familiar obstacle - the "imposter syndrome." This psychological pattern is common among individuals who find it hard to acknowledge their accomplishments and live in constant fear of being unmasked as a "fraud". It's a paralyzing feeling where our words and body language seem disjointed, creating a void between our genuine selves and the facade we project.
Interestingly, imposter syndrome often rears its head when we care profoundly about something. When we're passionate about a project, a role, or a relationship, we tend to feel an immense pressure to perform flawlessly, leading to feelings of inadequacy and fear of exposure. As uncomfortable as it may be, this syndrome can actually highlight the depth of our commitment and our aspiration to show up authentically.
Feeling like an imposter is universal; we've all experienced moments of self-doubt or feeling underprepared. These feelings can lead to a sense of powerlessness, where we feel we're not steering our own ship.
But there are ways to tackle this. One such approach is the self-affirmation theory exercise. It's not about showering yourself with positive affirmations in front of a mirror. It's about connecting with your core values or qualities that define you. The idea is to anchor yourself in your identity, reflecting on instances from your past where these values have helped you succeed. I've done this exercise with dance professionals, which instilled hope and boosted their confidence during their learning journey.
Expanding Self-Boundaries
Self-expansion involves widening our perspectives and skills, embracing novel experiences, and stepping out of our comfort zones. This process can shift our internal dynamics, delivering a sense of empowerment and control over our lives.
The behavioural approach system, a psychological concept, demonstrates how our behaviour morphs when we feel more empowered. Challenges transform into opportunities for growth, and others become potential allies and friends, rather than competitors. This mindset nurtures creativity and diminishes defensiveness, allowing us to embrace our authentic selves without the fear of judgement or failure.
So, if you ever feel like an imposter, remember that it's a sign that you deeply care about being authentic. Use it as a signal to broaden your horizons and reframe your perception of challenges and relationships. Authenticity is about aligning your actions with your values, not chasing perfection.
Invest Time in Self-Understanding
Body language is a potent tool, in dance and in life. By understanding and leveraging its power, we can present our authentic selves and positively influence our interactions. So invest time in understanding who you are and what moves you – it'll transform your body language and the way you navigate through the world.
In Joy,
Patty Contenta
P.S.: If you find yourself wanting to explore the power of body language, check out my [Sexy In Seconds Mini-Series], a body language and communication training for women to amplify your sensual appeal and boost your core confidence.
