Say it with me girls…it’s time to go SHOOOOOOOP-PING!

(Giggles, jumps, and claps hands)

I kid (mostly). I’ll admit to being one of those guys who likes clothes. I don’t think it’s a superficial thing to want to look good to feel good. And that’s what this mission is all about. Looking better in order to feel better.

The mission – Grooming and style:

• Part 1 – Here Comes the Groom
  This is a grooming exercise where you choose one item on a checklist of tasks to implement. The book has a more complete list and suggestions for accomplishing them, but here are a few:
  • Change hairstyle
  • Get contacts
  • Get a tan
  • Get a manicure
  • Remove excess hair
  • Whiten teeth
  • Freshen breath
  • Dermatology advice
  • Accessorize
  • Join a gym
  • Eat healthier
  • Make sure your clothes fit
• Part 2 – Make a Change
  Here is where I use the store recommendation from Mission 4. The task is to go to a menswear shop for a style consultation. The shop should preferably be a small, independent store, and then speak to a salesperson (who seems helpful) and say that I want to change my style. If possible, avoid large chains. Next, try on the clothes, note the brands, sizes, etc, and feel how it changes you. The author Neil Strauss explicitly points out that the fit is more important than the style. Also, the mission doesn’t require you to actually buy anything, however, I think I’ll make the purchase. Nordstrom/Barney’s will be my back-up plan but I am first going to try a couple small shops in Ballard and Capital Hill that found on Yelp.com.

• Part 3 – Brush Up
  This part is a re-visit of one of the past exercises. Either the vocal exercise, posture, or positive thinking.

Honestly, I’ve been doing the fundamentals of this mission for years now. But I’m committed to completing all of these missions in the book so I will do it just like it says. In fact, I think I’ll do more than just one from the grooming checklist. And then the shopping part will be fun. I trust my own sense of style, but I might as well see what someone else picks out for me.

This one is gonna be easy; I’m excited about it.