Do You Look The Part ?
'When I was younger, so much younger than today, I never needed anybody's help in any way
But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured. Now I find I've changed my mind, I've opened up the doors.' I should have been a lyricist. How does the opening lines to a Beatle's song have anything to do with 'Do you look the part' ?
It's a good question. At first, it didn't, I just started to write and it came into my head and I just went with. Now I look at it and think that it has plenty to do with the title.
I, like many, seem to be in a hiatus. In general, yes, but also in the here and now. I was going to pen a post, this morning and then just got caught up in other things, as you do. However, I have reached a natural 'lacuna' (I love that word) so thought I would crack on and see if I couldn't try to add a little something to the day.
I'll go with my first thoughts and see where it leads, much more fun that way, you get to share the process, live, so to speak.
I had just finished my exercises and was feeling pretty good, those endorphins were having a party and I was top of the invite list. This in turn reminded me of Rami's post:
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/ramco/blog/use-your-time-at-...
It's well worth a read. Exercise is good and you don't have to start out big, baby steps is all that's needed and there's plenty of things you can do at home. Anyway, just read the post and all will be revealed.
Where was I ? Ah yes, feeling good after the modest workout. Why the sudden lure and
attraction of getting fit ? Well, I actually started at the beginning of the year, today is the 81st day of my foray into fitness. It's all part of the 'Grand Design'. Life is already busy but if everything goes according to a very loosely fitting plan, then I'll need to be in good shape.
If you're tired and lacking in energy, how can you be expected to make sharp and insightful decisions ? If any need to be made, of course. Also, what about if you need to do some learning ? Our attention span can be decidedly lacking, if we're feeling tired and lethargic.
Don't just take my word for it, have a look at this, taken from 'Psychology Today'
Shall we move on ? So, that's one aspect that needed attention, if I was going to give myself the best possible advantage moving forward. That's the thing, it's not about one facet, is it. Many ingredients are needed to make this dish so delectable, that everyone wants more.
Right, let's get to the point so we can wrap this up. This is part of that post I never put out, not literally, just the idea in different words. What really made me think about it more was a brief conversation with one of my sons.
He's now working from home, luckily he is able to do all of his work away from the office, just needs a computer to log into the system. The night before, he told me that he was going to be starting in the morning at 9am. He had everything set up. To help him adjust to working from home, he was going to dress as if he was actually going to work.
I thought that was pretty cool and told him so. This is exactly my point (finally). You have to play the part, even when it's just you. This is even more relevant at the moment because many of us are going to be working from home. Added to that, is the fact that there may be extra family members at home, who might not otherwise have been.
You have to 'set your stall out'. Not only does it make you feel great, it lets those around you know that you're serious about your work. What do they call it ? A good work ethic. It's like you're taking yourself seriously. Does that make sense ?
Anyway, this is what I've been doing since the start of the year. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in a suit every day but I am casual smart. I'm even shaving every day, albeit with an electric shaver (that's a whole other story). This is almost unheard-of, I've never done that. I was always a once a week kinda guy, you know, when it starts to get itchy. Too much info, sorry.
Look, when I venture out and meet 'people' (when we're allowed to again) not sure who I mean, but I want to be taken seriously and I want to feel confident. How good do we feel when we go out (on those rare occasions) for a special meal or event ? We rock. Well that's how we should feel, every time we do our work. That's all I'm saying.
Hopefully you've got the point. Anyway, we're all different and this is how I'm approaching things, for me it feels like the right way, so I'm going to stick with it.
You're lucky, the post I didn't publish talked about 'plugs' for about six hundred words.
Hope you are all staying safe and healthy and that your Saturday has been fabulous.
Twack Romero.
Recent Comments
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Twack,
Interesting topic. In my working career, I had the good fortune to work from home on a daily basis and only ventured out to some company function or other a couple of times a year. That said, I always dressed out in the morning. On rare occasion I would have to video conference with someone, so I always wanted to look the part. In the last year of that job, I realized that those infrequent video gigs were by appointment. I figured, why not relax, sweats or shorts and some ugly pullover shirt. On the days I had a video thing, and they were few, I would dress appropriately.
Now in my business, I wear what I want, if I want and when I want. After reading your post, I got to thinking, how does a blogger dress? Best answer I could come up with was, anyway he wants.
Stay safe friend.
Greg
It's very much a case of 'each to their own' I guess. Maybe there should be a 'Blogger's Dress Code'. That could be the follow up post, 'what do you wear to blog ?' Might be some interesting answers.
For me, I think I needed to do something to reinforce my mindset, so far it's worked.
Thank you Greg.
Hi Twack...
There is something to be said about looking the part. I've worked at home for quite a few years. Your mood and mindset can change completely when you "look the part".
I can say, without a doubt, that on those days where I just crawl out of bed and hop on the computer in just a pair of shorts and t-shirt, I am nowhere near as productive.
Most days, I get up and do all the normal things a person does before going to work, even if I'm not working until later in the day. I don't even like it when my hair starts getting long anymore, haha.
Great article.
Stay Well,
Michael
Thank you Michael,
you are so right about the haircut, four weeks is about my max before having to hit the barbers.
I am sure there is an expression for it but it does make a difference and if it helps keep the distractions to a minimum, the all the better.
I'll take any help I can get.
Hope you're having a good one.
Twack what will you do now with the social distancing? I’m imagining a long hair, tie it back style 🤔
I am humbled by your kind mention of my post Twack thank you ever so kindly for promoting it...lols
Glad your keeping busy and at the same time not depriving yourself of some equally in your case equally therapeutic writing!!
That's a very handsome young man indeed wonder where he gets his looks from..ha ha
The point you make about looking and feeling good once we are allowed back out again no matter if we know who we meet or not struck a chord in not only being funny as it conjures an image of breathe, breathe in the air, don't be afraid to care, leave but don;t leave me look around choose your own ground and what you wear in this case...;)
Like you I've not really felt something amiss as although its lock down an quarantined its more fro a country point of view...we allowed to go out do the shopping, pharmacies etc. and I am normally working on here as normal as equally convinced its something I want to do right now....;
Thank you ever so much for the shout out again and really glad the you have stuck to the keeping fit... attempting to get Jeff to see reason and use the opportunity to get going!! ha ha
Stay safe and well all of you and trust you are having an enjoyable weekend!!
R.
You are very welcome Rami, it was a perfect fit.
Don't get me started on Floyd, I'll be off looking for the great gig in the sky and anything else that pops up and that will be another four hours lost, even with good reason.
This time the fitness has a 'why' which enables me to keep going and to moderate my progress. It also means I stay enjoying it.
I cannot take credit for the picture, as it was just a stock photo, though your comment would still stand 😉
All good here, likewise for yourself I hope.
That was hilarious about going off looking for the great gig in the sky and anything remotely related....ha ha... I am not going to be held responsible for taking up that horrendous amount of time from your new regimen let alone shock Clockify into a stupor...;
Agree adding the word why into anything is a most commendable thing amazing what a three letter simple word basic question form, can elicit such incredibly powerful emmissions it is most prudent, sensible, astute, logical and only the lord knows how many other benefits in its asking...and now we find both a motivational & enjoyable use from you wonder what else can be found in its use....lols
Seriously though good thinking as that is exactly what one needs to perpetuate doing...
I am positive about my assertion standing as good genes are good genes and it stands to reason that attractiveness follows!!
Glad to hear all good there last weeks reports being received of events were not encouraging at the confidence level...
This end is same old same old thank you....we'll see what the ruling elite have for us on both ends in the coming week....suspect it will be more chickens headless and carts before horses I assume!!
Later friend!!
R.
I am literally a day behind, hence the delay in replying. Our leader in red has given a stern reprimand that unless the guidelines are being adhered to, then more severe measures will have to be put in place.
I'm sure we can rely on the masses to tow the line, though breath holding will not be taking place here.
If there is any weekend left for you, I hope it's enjoyable.
Lols I am literally the same and just inforned Alexandra it looks like another till day break for me!!!
Glad you not entertaining any breath holding on that lot...enjoy whats left of yours and thank you ever so kindly for your reply!!
R.
PS I've just been finally informed by Jeff that he is going to go for the daily exercise...;) apart from nearly falling of my seat I've been trying as you know to convince for ages I thought I would make a record for posterity and as a double entry on that in case mine goes walkies which happened again to me in comments!! ;
I was going to say it's good advise but you killed it with the post about plugs. Made me laugh.
I'm lucky to work from home all year long so nothing has changed for me in these crazy times. Happy as Larry :)
Fabulous Friday, my friend!
Lenka
P.S. Did I tell you I love your posts? Sorry I missed some this week.
Thank you so much Lenka. You probably might think different if you had to trudge through the 'plugs' post, really don't know what possessed me.
No apology necessary, I am always grateful when you pop in.
It is business as ususal, although there are a few more bods around.
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I now have the Beatles song stuck in my head Twack. Made me smile as I read that.
You are right though, for some the right clothes add to getting into the right mindset. I just walk down the garden to my office and by the time I go in my brain is already focused on work. That walk is my version of putting a suit on.
I am intrigued to know what you are going to do now you have said you need to be fit to do it.
Had a great day thanks, hope yours was too.
Staying super healthy because I am immune to everything.
I like that 'walk' Linda, it's like you transform yourself and by the time you reach your office you're in 'work mode'.
Having a separate place to work must be a great help. We almost did a bedroom swap with my youngest (His idea), in his room there's an eight foot counter top down one wall, I had already envisaged myself sat there. Alas, once he'd tidied up he realised that he quite liked his room. Such a shame.
As for the reason for trying to get fitter, I'm not really sure either, I just know that I could do with being fitter, as I imagine far longer days ahead, it's just a feeling.
I did have a bedroom I used then the grandkids were staying more so we decided a garden office would be good.
Because its separate, they all know its my space and everything in it is mine for my business..
They don't assume they can use the computer/laptops/ipad in here, they ask. Though there are some at the house they can use.
Handy to have spares now we will be home schooling.
It is harder when you are in a general room because its just part of the house and everyone considers it is for every day use.
Ahhh, intuition is good to follow always. Brilliant way to do it. Let the ideas swirl and form, while preparing yourself for the challenge.
"Let the ideas swirl and form, while preparing yourself for the challenge."
Words to live by.
You are also right, where I am is open season for anyone, which I don't mind, until they leave plates, mugs and general detritus on the desk.