Dress For The Job That You Want

Because the world has become more casual, business casual, or just plain casual; dressing down has become more the code in the work world. The “uniform” of the office is now more likely to be slacks and t-shirts, than skirts, jackets and high heels.

But the old adage of “you are what your wear” may still have some value in today’s more causal world.

The idea of this was more of what you project to the world; as well as what you think about who you are and what you want from your professional life.

When I was young and things were not quite going my way; when I was upset by circumstances or dealing with a difficult life issue, my mother would remind me that all things were possible, if I just  “got up, got dressed up; and got going.” The action of moving and doing was a means of working
through a problem and heading for a new life experience. But the central part of this theme was that I “got dressed up”. Not just dressed. Even nudists get dressed every so often. A sweater when it is cold. But it was the “dressed up” part. Putting my best foot forward. Feeling good about who I was.
Just like the UPS driver and the McDonald’s employee, I have a “uniform” when I get up every day and go off to my work day life. I believe that what I wear sets the tone for what I expect from myself, what I expect from my business; what I expect from my day.

One of my mentors in my early career said that more people would become who they want to be if they just “dressed for the job they want, and not the job they have.” Work at and look like who you want to be. Or as Shakespeare said, “all the world is a stage and each must play a part.” What is the costume you should be wearing for the part you are playing?

Sarah Ban Breathnach in her book, Simple Abundance tells us “most of us do not think we are carrying on a conversation with the outside world when we get dressed in the morning, but we are.”

She reminds us that Alison Laurie in her book, The Language of Clothes ,says, “ long before I am near enough to talk to you….you convey your sex, age, class to me through what you are wearing.”  “To choose clothes, either in a store or at home, is to define and describe ourselves.”

As we enter the season of Spring, this is the perfect time to re-evaluate our wardrobe, the “uniform” we wear when we go out into the world. What are you saying to the world? What do you really what the world to hear?

Having “The Talk”

Can you remember back to your early teens, or even pre-teens when you became curious about the opposite sex? And it was time for your parents and you to have “The Talk?” For some of us that conversation was something we wanted to have; but dreaded as much as our parents did. For some, that talk never came; because some were given a book from the Girl Scouts, or were sent off to a class at the local YMCA. Discussions about “growing up” were scary and uncomfortable for most involved.

Then came the time for us to have “The Talk” with our own children. Again, a needed discussion that may have come much sooner than expected; but was for many no less uncomfortable.

Now as we age or as we see our parents age, another kind of “talk” needs to occur. This time “The Talk” is between the child and the parent, where the discussion turns to later life issues. Instead of it being about “growing up,” it is time to talk about “growing old.”

This “talk” can be just as uncomfortable, but certainly as necessary, as it explores personal feelings, finances, living arrangements, final arrangements. But having “the talk” means there are no questions or misconceptions as to what the parent wants and how these desires can be accomplished.

Not having “the talk” can set up a family for having a loss of money, loss of security, loss of control, loss of independence, and loss of family stability.

Join Mary Grace Musuneggi, Financial Consultant & Andy Sykes, Elder Law Attorney, on October 10, 2013, to learn the strategies for having a Family Meeting and exploring the important questions. Learn how the Family Meeting can dispel potential legal and financial issues. Learn how to avoid significant mistakes that can cost time, hurt feelings, and of course, money.

Parents, bring the children. Children, bring the parents.

Desiderata

One of my favorites…

Just wanted to share this with all of you as we come out of summer, kids go back to school, hectic end of the year about to start, so much to do, so little time….

STOP. SIT. RELAX. READ.

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for there will always be greater and
lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe; no less than the trees and the stars, you have the right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

-Attributed to Max Ehrmann 1927