Attitude

One of my favorite pieces of professional advice is to dress for the job you want to have or "dress for success". I think there is something so important from a psychological perspective regarding getting up each day, getting dressed, fixing your hair and putting on makeup and accessories that gets you in the right head space for what you want to accomplish that day.

Yesterday, I did not get dressed till late in the day. It was a crazy morning and I had conferences starting quite early in the morning. I did not do many of the things listed on my daily task list, because I wasn't prepared for my day. Also, I had to take valuable time away from my afternoon tasks, in order to do what should have been done in the morning.

So today, I fixed the problem. I got up, got dressed-including shoes- for the job I want to have. I am prepared to walk out and meet clients at a moments notice. I notice even my writing has changed and it helps me put on the more professional voice when I am interacting with peers. My clothes change my whole attitude from being overwhelmed, to being equipped and called by the Most High for important work. I am now in control of my situation instead of being tossed by the whims of those around me.

I would argue to say it is even biblical. We see the Proverbs 31 woman being "clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come" (v. 25). Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God, another piece of clothing that can mentally prepare us for our days. In Colossians 3 we get this command:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Change your attitude, one outfit at a time.