Advice: Mental Fortitude

[Larry124]

Honestly, Given that you will see these folks again, I would probably go in more expected attire tonight. There will be time to introduce them to the kilt later. I feel that the kilt will dominate the conversations you get into tonight and you risk missing out on some opportunities to make professional contacts.

I'll try to put this in a short statement. The kilt has a tendency to become the focus very easily. Since you are seeking to get into this "circle" in a professional way eventually, I think minimizing the distractions on the first night would help you engage in some professional conversations tonight and make a few contacts to build on tomorrow and next weekend. Tomorrow night and the rest of the time, I say absolutely wear the kilt if you choose. They will have already meet you and not be distracted as much by the kilt.

Good advice IMHO.

[Jaggy thistle]

Just wear it do not make excuses for wearing it just wear it with pride!

[ccga3359]

I agree with Jock on this one, having said this since you're going out with friends after take the kilt with you and change after the course. The powers to be may even see you kilted thus easing any shock but cannot pass judgement as it is for a social purpose and not business. Also might I suggest that you look at the Californian tartan. I have Maple Leaf and a quick education to any nay-sayers stops disapproving comments short.

[nh_maclean]

So I decided to wear the kilt the first night for a couple reasons.

The fact it was hot out was partly it but another part was to prove to myself that I can take myself out of my comfort zone in new situations and function. I love to wear my kilt but this was a challenging situation and well, if you're going to jump - jump big. While that might not bode well for certain types of trainings (professional or otherwise) it would be something valuable for this training.

This training was (and "is" since it's ongoing) on mediation: where differences are respected, valued and listened to equally... without judgement. And I figured these are volunteers vs. people actually practicing.

I got a lot of positive comments and was asked if I wear my kilt all the time and it allowed me to talk about being nervous but wanting to wear it. It was pretty awesome actually. The rest of the weekend I wore jeans, but I was glad I wore the kilt the first day... it made me feel a little bolder and helped me out of my normally more reserved self and was pretty interactive in our activities.

So cheers to all who shared their thoughts - I appreciate it!
-Noah

[cavscout]

Congratulations Noah on a positive evening. Glad you had a great time.

[RB51]

Glad to hear that it worked out well for you...hopefully gives you more confidence to tackle these sorts of situations in the future. Good on you!

Laurie

[Slag101]

I have contemplated wearing my kilt to the medical conferences I go to. My reasoning is to stand out a little. I am typically the only RN in a room full of doctors, and I want to make a memorable impression. I think that being comfortable in "unusual" attire also shows (sub-consciously) that you are a dominant personality, and are not easily intimidated. This comes in handy in a room full of MD's.

[ccga3359]

A fair compromise. Congratulations.