Today a friend of mine came over for a play date for our daughters. She owns a business and is a client of mine so we frequently talk shop while the girls play. I have been working very hard creating all of my new marketing materials for my 2018 workshops so I was proudly showing the materials off.

I happened to mention that I hope I am never foolish enough again to not only add seven completely new (AND not completely created) workshops to my rotation, but also throw into the mix completely new branding for the other 13 workshops. My friend laughed at me and said, "That is too bad… you have more than two months before your first workshop and you will not be finished with your promotional material until the end of the week." Trust me when I say her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

I tried to explain that last year I had everything completed by early October and I had wanted to offer an October early-bird special just like I had done last year. She laughed and reminded me that November is just as good of a month as October for an early-bird special. Her perspective was that two months ahead is amazing; my perspective was three months ahead is amazing. I have to say, we are both right.

Here is another example of perspective. In August I spent a fair chunk of change on a training to help me develop and market a training program to corporations. I have been watching the videos and doing the homework with much excitement because I can see the possibilities that adding that stream of revenue to my business can create.

In September, I spent almost the exact same amount of money on a new computer for my business. The new computer will enable me to finish projects faster and it will support apps (which my current computer does not). I have turned on that new computer three times in the last month. My current computer has 4.7 GB of space left on its hard drive and late in the day the memory crashes. I really need to upgrade.

You would think I would be all over the new computer just like I am with that new training. Once again, it comes down to perspective. The training program is a bright, shiny penny completely full of possibilities and no preconceived notions. The computer is a chore because I have to learn a new operating system and I need to upgrade my programs, and I will have to learn all the new versions of the programs I use every day.

A bright, shiny penny or relearning everything you know. Which would you choose?

I have given myself until the end of the month to start making a real effort at switching my computers. One of the reasons I have been dragging my feet is all that rebranding I am doing for my 2018 workshops. I cannot install the program I am using to create the materials on my new computer as is. I will have to subscribe to a newer version (which will be better) that I will need to learn and honestly I do not want to take the time right now.

I WILL take the next technological step. Of course, Windows and Office will release a new version right after I do.

Until next time…

Have a great day,
Susanne

Check out my upcoming workshops here!

I want to continue with the physical part of confidence. This time instead of focusing on your health I want to focus on how you look and darling, let me say, you look marvelous. (Your age will probably dictate whether or not that reference makes any sense to you.)

Any time the phrase “dress for success” comes to mind I can not help but think of that Billy Crystal song, You Look Marvelous. I love the line, “Don't be a schnook… It's not how you feel; it's how you look. And you look marvelous.”

Now, of course, I do not really believe that beauty is more important than health. I do, however, believe that how you look can affect your self-confidence. Think about the people you see get makeovers on television. They are frequently a little lackluster in their personality when they are interviewed prior to the makeover.

Then the transformation happens and it is not just physical. They come out with the biggest smile on their face and bubbling with excitement. That new look makes them feel invincible.

It is up to you to determine how much your outer appearance affects your confidence. Some people feel the need to dress to the nines and never leave the house unless they are completely put together. Some people do not feel the need to put much effort into their outward appearance. I very rarely wear makeup and I wear my favorite clothes even when they have holes. It does not make my way right; it makes it right for me.

Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself. Use anti-aging skin care. Dress in colors that make you happy. Find a hairstylist who can cut your hair in a flattering manner. (And if you know one in Colorado Springs, I am looking.) I am vain enough I would rather not wear glasses, however I get more compliments on my eyes when I am wearing glasses than when I go without.

Put yourself in a position to succeed and feel confident by embracing clothing and grooming it makes you feel great about yourself. And if you would like a great laugh, here is the link to Billy Crystal's music video.

Until next time…

Have a great day,
Susanne

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