How You Look is Important

When you were at work, you never really had to think too much about what you wore. The dress code of the company and of your colleagues more or less dictated this. The very fact that you went to work each day meant that you left your house each morning fresh, groomed, wearing your work clothes and ready to greet the day.

Now that you don't have to go to work, there is no dress code. You don't have to dress for a boss, for work colleagues or clients any more. So what you now put on each day doesn't matter - right?

You can just chill out now and throw on whatever you like - OK?

Absolutely not. Your appearance now is possibly far more important for the following reasons:

• The first person you dress for is yourself. The fact that you dedicate time and effort into how you look gives yourself the message that you are important . You are now not dressing for anyone else but yourself - and for one sole reason - yes, you ARE worth it!

• You pay attention to your appearance for the sake of those who care about you. People close to you, who love you, will be concerned for you at this time. It is actually extremely painful to watch a loved one sinking down and going to seed. If people who care for you see that you are caring for yourself, they will be much relieved. They will see it as a sign that you are coping with this situation, that you are putting structure into your life and that you will come out the other end a stronger person

• You also dress for others. The appearance you choose will also send a strong signal to those you meet outside your living space. Life is full of opportunity. One thing about opportunity is that you never know where it is going to come from. On a trip to the supermarket, you might bump into a neighbour. This person may be in a position to recommend you to someone else. You have no way of knowing this; your neighbour may not even tell you. S/He may simply observe you for a while and then pass on this recommendation - you simply do not know. Each time you leave the house, see it as an opportunity for a new experience, a new opportunity. Be ready for it.

Does this mean that you need to invest in new clothes or wear your business suit each day?

No, not at all. But it does mean that each day you get up, you shave (if you were in the habit of doing this at work) or put on your make-up (if you were in the habit of doing this) and shower. Your clothes are clean and ironed. Your hair is clean and groomed. In other words, if you had to drop back casually into your old workplace, you would look just fine.

Looking after your appearance is making a commitment to yourself each day that, regardless of your personal circumstances, you deserve respect, attention and dignity.

If you do not give this to yourself, why would you expect others to give it to you?

If you do not look after your appearance, how easy is it going to be to attract the attention of those who might be able to help you?

Start focusing on yourself right now and make this commitment to yourself every day.

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