What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone calls you “sophisticated”?

For context, I will use one definition in the Oxford Advanced Dictionary, being;

“Having a lot of experience of the world and knowing about fashion, culture and other things that people think are socially important.”

Depending on how it is put across, it has potential to invoke positivity or negativity, and here is why I hold this humble view, from corporate parlance.

Coming from the professional background that I do, we were inducted into presenting ourselves in a certain way that communicates the integrity of the profession. In short, present yourself in such a way that the client will have confidence that you will represent them well. Be kemped, dress sober, look trustworthy, up to date and knowledgeable. Do you resonate?

Undoubtedly, having knowledge and experience of latest trends in fashion and keeping up with a culture that supports society’s values in that area is expected to be part of your professional package as an individual.

Over the years, I have come to realise that one of the attributes recommended in the foregoing scenario is a personal acceptance and resonance with sophistication…understanding it and why it is important to you as an individual, belonging to the particular professional faculty that you do. It is not a bad thing if embraced in perspective.

It is critical that one feels comfortable with the sophistication and respective levels at which they apply it.

It is never a contest if it is something that gives you a personal sense of achievement.

I have, in earlier articles, spoken about the need to strike a balance between work and life as a means of being self actualised. I reiterate that point here…how and when can you use sophistication in the context discussed above to reach levels of self-worth and contentment? In the wonderful state of self actualisation, there is no room for pretense or discomfort with oneself.

Therefore, balancing it out with a space in your life when you can fuse another aspect of your life that gives you a “break” from a certain state, but still allows you to comfortably slide back …in this case, into your sophisticated self, is great!

So, go ahead and enjoy sophistication that is informed by a definition that works for you…

Let’s share!