I’ve been thinking a lot about how I show up for work and my everyday life.
What I wear (who do I have meetings with?), what I feel like (am I rushed or frenzied?) and am I enjoying the process (hey, work can be fun).
I’ve found that if I really think about how I want to show up and act, and set an intention for the day, it shifts my outlook to a much more positive one. I used to come at this from a different angle, though.
When in corporate America, I would think about how my co-worker would see me if I came to work wearing an outfit that wasn’t what the company was used to seeing. Or how my boss would respond if I didn’t’ say something pleasant when asked, “how’s it going”.
I thought I had to wear the work “uniform”.
And I thought that I had to keep a perky, happy, I’ve-got-it-all-together attitude all the time. Both of these things were exhausting constraints to live within.
When I shifted my thinking to make choices about how I wanted to respond to the world versus how I thought the world expected me to respond, things really changed.
I started asking myself questions like:
- What do I want to wear today that will be comfortable, enjoyable to wear and show my professionalism?
- How can I communicate in a way that’s authentic, respectful, genuine and doesn’t leave me feeling like I wished I’d said more but didn’t because I didn’t want to rock the boat?
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Being here and showing up every day in a way that feels authentic and right for you is the only way to not feel stuck over the long haul.
I can see how each choice I make translates into deciding how I show up in a supportive way or a way that leaves me feeling like I could have done better. Do you ever notice that about yourself?
Deciding how to show up is done in tiny steps throughout the day.
It culminates in a day well spent doing all of the things you have to do in the best way possible. So you feel good at the end of a day. Those days add up to weeks and months that are more satisfying and give you confidence to do what you need to do.
How are you showing up each day?
- Did you decide what to wear today based on your needs?
- Did you decide how to communicate something in a way that was genuine to you?
How about in other areas of your life?
Do you want to eat prepared food or would it be better to make a few meals on the weekend so you can avoid feeling like there’s no time?
Do you want to exercise because it’ll build your confidence in how you look and interact with people? Then go for that walk this morning or head to the gym after work!
Do you want to have a group of friends that you can easily hangout with? How about scheduling a coffee date with an acquaintance to start building your friendship?
Where else can you see opportunities so show up in a way that supports who you want to be?
What’s one decision you made today that you made based on your needs? Please share with me in the comments. I’d love to hear how this works for you!
With much love and gratitude,
Speak Your Mind